Abstract:
Memory, a key component of the human brain, entails the cognitive ability to encode, store,
and retrieve information, that is fundamental for survival. Memory is stored in different
circuitry structurers in the brain. On the other hand, Lamotrigine (LAM) and levetiracetam
(LEV) are anticonvulsant medicines currently being prescribed as first line in the management
of maternal conditions like unipolar depression, acute bi-polar depression, schizophrenia,
fibromyalgia, among others. Use of these two medicines is guided by past literature on their
efficacy and torrelability. Despite their current use, data on their comparative histoquatitative
outcomes on fetal memory circuitry structurers upon their maternal exposure remains
equivocal, hence the basis of this study. Data is aimed at establishing which among the two
medicines is safer when used prenatally in management of maternal conditions. A post-test
only with control experimental design was adopted in the study. 30 sexually mature female
albino rats 250+30grams were used as experimental models. They were categorized as 3 rats
for the control group and 27 rats for both LAM and LEV treatment groups. Collected data was
coded in excel spreadsheets, and analysis was done using SPSS version 25. The findings of the
study were expressed as mean+ standard error of mean (SEM). Values with P<0.05 were
considered to have a statistical significantly difference. The comparative findings of the study
delineated statistically significant reduction in means of total fetal brain volume, as well as the
volume densities of memory circuitry structurers that includes; prefrontal cortex, entorhinal
cortex, hippocampal gyrus, subiculum and dentate gyrus for both lamotrigine and
levetiracetam. The mean reduction was observed to depict a time and dose dependency, with
the most reduction being more marked in high dosages administered during the first trimester.
Lamotrigine was associated with deleterious effects than levetiracetam. The study
recommends further studies with animals close to human species.
