Research on influenza therapy published by scientists at Washington University, Department of Psychiatry
2007 NOV 19 -- New investigation results, 'Neuroexcitatory actions of Tamiflu and its carboxylate metabolite,' are detailed in a study published in Neuroscience Letters. According to recent research from the United States, "Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is now being stockpiled by several governments as a first line treatment for an anticipated outbreak of avian influenza caused by H5N1. However, abnormal behaviors and death associated with the use of Tamiflu have developed into a major issue in Japan where Tamiflu is often prescribed for seasonal influenza." "Thus, it is critical to determine neuropsychiatric effects of oseltamivir and to establish methods for safe administration. Using juvenile rats and rat hippocampal slices, we investigated whether oseltamivir has adverse effects on the central nervous system. Systemic injection of oseltamivir (50mg/kg i.p.) produced no change in behavior within 2h. However, prior injection of oseltamivir significantly altered the duration of loss of lightning reflex following ethanol injection (3.3g/kg, i.p.). Ethanol injection in the presence of oseltamivir also resulted in enhanced hypothermia. In the CA1 region of hippocampal slices, oseltamivir (100 microM) induced paired-pulse facilitation in population spikes without changes in excitatory postsynaptic potentials. Similarly, 3 microM oseltamivir carboxylate, the active metabolite of oseltamivir, facilitated neuronal firing, though the facilitation did not involve GABAergic disinhibition. Moreover, oseltamivir carboxylate produced further facilitation following administration of 60mM ethanol," wrote Y. Izumi and colleagues, Washington University, Department of Psychiatry. The researchers concluded: "These findings indicate that oseltamivir has effects on the central nervous system, especially when combined with other agents." Izumi and colleagues published their study in Neuroscience Letters (Neuroexcitatory actions of Tamiflu and its carboxylate metabolite. Neuroscience Letters, 2007;426(1):54-8). For additional information, contact Y. Izumi, Washington University School of Medicine, Dept. of Psychiatry, Box 8134, 660 S Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States. Publisher contact information for the journal Neuroscience Letters is: Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd., Customer Relations Manager, Bay 15, Shannon Industrial Estate, Co. Clare, Ireland. Keywords: United States, St. Louis, Influenza Therapy, Anti-Infectives, Drugs, Flu, Influenza, Neuroscience, Oseltamivir, Oseltamivir Phosphate, Pharmaceuticals, Tamiflu, Therapy, Treatment. This article was prepared by Anti-Infectives Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Anti-Infectives Week via NewsRx.com.
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