Protective effect of Crassostrea gigas extract on audiogenic seizures in magnesium deficient mice

Audiogenic seizures associated with loss of weight, prostration, piloerection, palpebral ptosis and motor deficiency were induced after sound stimulation of determined frequency and amplitude in magnesium-deficient DBA/2 mice. These symptoms were maintained when standard diet conditions (1700 ppm Mg2+) were restored. In contrast, mice were protected from audiogenic seizure in a dose related manner when Crassostrea gigas extract (JCOE) were added to the diet for 10 consecutive days. Although a rational explanation for this protective effect has not yet been determined, it is assumed that it might be due to a chelating complex formed between Mg2+ and taurine, which enhance the uptake of Mg2+. © 1998 Elsevier, Paris.