Sodium Valproate (Valproic acid sodium salt) is a well-known anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing drug primarily used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It is also used to prevent migraine headaches. Here are some of its key pharmacological actions:
1.Enhanced GABAergic Activity: Sodium Valproate increases the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain by inhibiting GABA transaminase, an enzyme responsible for GABA breakdown. Increased GABAergic activity contributes to its anticonvulsant effects by inhibiting neural excitability.
2.Reduction of Excitatory Transmission: It inhibits the voltage-gated sodium channels, which decreases the repetitive firing of neurons. This stabilization of neuronal membranes also helps in seizure control.
3.Mood Stabilization: While the precise mechanism is unclear, it's believed that the mood-stabilizing effects could be due to its influence on neurotransmitter systems, neuroprotection, and inhibition of enzyme activities like histone deacetylases.
4.Alteration of Inositol Metabolism: Sodium Valproate impacts the phosphoinositide signaling pathway, which plays a crucial role in mood regulation and neuroprotection.
5.Neuroprotective Effects: It shows protective properties against neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in neuronal cells.
6.Modulation of Ion Channels: Apart from sodium channels, it affects other ion channels like calcium channels, contributing to its broad-spectrum antiepileptic activities.
