Inhibitory Influence of Agmatine on Catamenial-Like Seizure Susceptibility in Progesterone Withdrawn Female Rats

The study found that agmatine significantly reduces seizure susceptibility in female rats undergoing progesterone withdrawal, a model for catamenial epilepsy. Agmatine administration before PTZ-induced seizures resulted in up to 90% protection, with effects enhanced by neurosteroids like allopregnanolone. The anticonvulsant effects were diminished by neurosteroid synthesis inhibitors, indicating that agmatine's efficacy is mediated through neurosteroids and GABAergic pathways. Despite its rapid metabolism and low bioavailability, agmatine shows promise as a treatment for hormone-related seizure disorders, warranting further research to optimize its therapeutic potential.