Maximal Electroshock (MES) Test

The ability of SBV2-114 to prevent electroshock-induced seizures was assessed using the MES test. This is a model of generalised tonic–clonic seizures, and was conducted as described previously [21]. In brief, a drop of anaesthetic/electrolyte solution (0.5% tetracaine hydrochloride in 0.9% saline) was applied to the cornea of each animal prior to placement of the silver-coated corneal electrodes. An alternating current of 50 mA (60 Hz) was delivered for 0.2 s to the cornea of the mouse using a Woodbury–Davenport stimulator. The supramaximal current applied to the cornea was sufficient to induce maximal tonic extension seizures in all non-treated mice. Separate groups of mice were treated with increasing doses of SBV2-114 (50–200 mg/kg, i.p., n = 3–7) and were exposed to the MES stimulus at the predetermined SBV2-114 TPE; i.e., 15 min. Those mice not displaying full hind limb tonic extension seizures were considered protected.