Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease characterized by demyelination of nerve conductors followed sclerosing lesions collapse and destruction of myelin formation of sclerotic plaques. The most common range of psychopathological phenomenon in this category of patients include disorders of emotional and intellectual and memory areas that require pharmacological correction. To normalize the emotional state of patients with MS it is recommended to use different medication including anticonvulsants.

The aim of the present study was to assess experimental impact of anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, topiramate, sodium volproat, gabapentine and pregabaline) on emotional activity of rats in the "open field" test under the experimental equivalent of MS (EEMS). Animals were selectively divided into seven research groups (n = 8), that were administered with anticonvulsants, along with EAE 5-day therapy of methylprednisolone (3.4 mg/kg) on the background. To put the subjects of the experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) into the needed condition used t encephalitogenic emulsion intradermally was used, which was injected into the rats’ tailset. Changes of the animals’ behavior was observed in the test "open field". Indicators of behavioral activity were recorded in the initial state, at the peak of the disease (12 days) and 17 days after 5-days therapy with methylprednisolone and single administration aides.

At the initial state the animals in the research groups were very active: performance of motor and emotional activity ranged within the physiological norm for rodents’ age group. We found that in 100 % of animals changes in motor activity in the "open field" test on the 12th day of simulation EEMS have the same orientation. Thus, the number of squares crossed ranged from 4.50 ± 0.71 (control group) to 11.50 ± 1.45 (group M+ pregabalin), which corresponded to reduced physical activity on average by 3.5 times compared to the original state. Weakening of the activity under study was observed: the number of looking into the "rat-hole" and the number of vertical climbs were on average 4.5 times (p ≤ 0.05) lower compared with those of the original state. The rats subject to receiving methylprednisolone (M) showed positive dynamics of physical activity: if the number of squares crossed on the 12th day of simulation EEMS was 11.33 ± 1.33, then after 5-day introduction of M it increased by 2.2 times (p ≤ 0.05). On the background of experimental hormone therapy vertical frequency rises almost returned to its original state indicator, although the quantity of looking into the "rat-hole" remained low – 1.8 times (p ≤ 0.05).

However, against the background of the compositions M + gabapentine and M + pregabaline administration the rats demonstrated more pronounced recovery of motor activity: the number of crossed squares increased by 80.86 % (p ≤ 0,05) and 81.73 % (p ≤ 0.05) respectively compared to the 12th day of simulation of experimental pathology. At most pronounced normalization of research activity (looking into the "rat-hole") registered against the backdrop of the administration of M + pregabaline, growth rate was 300 % (p ≤ 0.05) compared with the 12 day experiment.

The study found that under the experimental equivalent of MS on the background therapy of methylprednisolone administration, gabapentine and pregabaline, but not carbamazepine, or topiramate normalizes both locomotor activity and emotional status of rats in the "open field" test and this helps to rebuild muscle tone of experimental animals.

Keywords: multiple sclerosis, anticonvulsants, test of "open field", experimental allergic encephalomyelitis

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