Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant and antiepileptic, which can decrease the release of high-frequency rhythmic action potentials [1]. Carbamazepine binds to the inactivated Na+ channel and slows the renewal of inactivation, thereby inhibiting the generation of action potentials and reducing synaptic transmission [2]. Carbamazepine has been broadly used to modify the activities of second messengers like cAMP and cGMP, and to modulate different neurotransmitter systems[3].
In vitro, Carbamazepine significantly inhibited Vero cell proliferation for 24 hours, with an IC50 value of 406.2μM[4]. Carbamazepine treatment (40μM) for 7 days significantly enhanced adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells and promoted fat production [5]. Treatment with 100μM carbamazepine for 24 hours resulted in changes in the morphology of red blood cells, including shrinkage and deformation of the cell membrane[6].
In vivo, Carbamazepine treatment via oral administration at a dose of 7.5g/kg daily for three consecutive weeks reduced the immobility time of C57BL/6 mice in the forced swimming test (FST)[7]. A single oral dose of 250mg/kg of Carbamazepine significantly promoted liver regeneration in mice after partial hepatectomy within 14 days, and increased the survival rate of the mice[8].
References:
[1] Tolou-Ghamari Z, Zare M, Habibabadi J M, et al. A quick review of carbamazepine pharmacokinetics in epilepsy from 1953 to 2012[J]. Journal of research in medical sciences: the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 2013, 18(Suppl 1): S81.
[2] Gambeta E, Chichorro J G, Zamponi G W. Trigeminal neuralgia: An overview from pathophysiology to pharmacological treatments[J]. Molecular pain, 2020, 16: 1744806920901890.
[3] Matalon S, Schechtman S, Goldzweig G, et al. The teratogenic effect of carbamazepine: a meta-analysis of 1255 exposures[J]. Reproductive toxicology, 2002, 16(1): 9-17.
[4] Martín J M P, Freire P F, Labrador V, et al. Carbamazepine induces mitotic arrest in mammalian Vero cells[J]. Mutation Research/Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis, 2008, 637(1-2): 124-133.
[5] Im D U, Kim S C, Chau G C, et al. Carbamazepine enhances adipogenesis by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin expression[J]. Cells, 2019, 8(11): 1460.
[6] Ficarra S, Misiti F, Russo A, et al. Antiepileptic carbamazepine drug treatment induces alteration of membrane in red blood cells: possible positive effects on metabolism and oxidative stress[J]. Biochimie, 2013, 95(4): 833-841.
[7] Kara N Z, Karpel O, Toker L, et al. Chronic oral carbamazepine treatment elicits mood-stabilising effects in mice[J]. Acta Neuropsychiatrica, 2014, 26(1): 29-34.
[8] Kawaguchi T, Kodama T, Hikita H, et al. Carbamazepine promotes liver regeneration and survival in mice[J]. Journal of Hepatology, 2013, 59(6): 1239-1245.