The Anticonvulsant Zonisamide Inhibits Hydroxyl Radical Generated from Methylguanidine

Methylguanidine (MG) is a known nephrotoxin and neurotoxin, and an intracisternal injection of MG can induce convulsions in experimental animals. In this in vitro study, we examined the inhibitory effects of the antiepileptic agent zonisamide (ZNS) on hydroxyl radicals (•OH) generated from MG by using an electron spin resonance (ESR) technique. ZNS scavenged •OH generated from MG in a dose-dependent manner through direct scavenging during the auto-oxidation of MG. The rate constant of ZNS reacting with the •OH was at a near diffusion-controlled rate. These findings indicate that ZNS might detoxify MG and could thus protect against convulsive disorders.