Effects of Lamotrigine on Stress-induced Behavioral and Biochemical Changes in an Animal Model

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of lamotrigine in the prevention of behavioral and biochemical changes caused by stress in an animal model subsequent to traumatic stress. Nineteen mice were divided into two case and control groups after being exposed to electrical shock as a stress factor. Behavioral changes were assessed in elevated plus-maze apparatus at 24 hours, 3rd week, and 6th week after exposure to stress. Plasma cortisol, was also measured at 7th week after exposure as an index of biochemical changes. A single oral dose of lamotrigine was administered to the case group in the first hour following stress, while the control group was given normal saline. Results were analyzed using t test, paired t test, and repeated measures ANOVA. Anxiety like behavior in lamotrigine treated group was signifi- cantly lower than the control group. Also, plasma cortisol level was significantly lower in mice in the case group compared to those in the control group in week 7. Behavioral changes in the first 24 hours and the third week were not significantly different between the two groups. Lamotrigine prevents biochemical and behavioral changes induced by stress.