Estrogenic compounds have been documented in literature to exert neuroprotective effects. This study investigated the potential neuroprotective effect of genistein; a phytoestrogen at doses of 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg p.o. in ovariectomized rats challenged with pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) 90 mg/kg i.p. Systemic acute administration of PTZ induced seizures, increased oxidative stress, and caused apoptosis and histological abnormalities. Pretreatment with genistein delayed seizure onset, reduced the seizure duration, improved oxidative stress profile, decreased estrogen receptor expression, reduced apoptosis, and improved the histopathological pattern. Overall, the genistein doses (10 and 20 mg/kg) showed the strongest protective effects. In conclusion, the current study suggests that genistein exhibits neuroprotective effects against PTZ-induced seizures. Such effects might be attributed to its estrogenic, antioxidant, and/or anti-apoptotic properties.
Keywords: Genistein; Neurodegeneration; Ovariectomy; Pentylenetetrazole; Phytoestrogen; Seizures.