Aminophylline and CGS 8216 reverse the protective action of diazepam against electroconvulsions in mice.

Aminophylline (50 and 100 mg/kg) and CGS 8216 (20 and 40 mg/kg) decreased the anticonvulsant potency of diazepam (5 and 10 mg/kg) against electroshock-induced seizures. It should be emphasized that aminophylline moderately affected the protective action of the benzodiazepine at a dose of 5 mg/kg, whereas it was equipotent with CGS 8216 with regard to diazepam at a dose of 10 mg/kg. Consequently, participation of a purinergic component in the anticonvulsant action of diazepam is suggested. On the other hand, the use of aminophylline in epileptic patients suffering from asthma seems unjustified.