The role of adenosine A 1 receptors in the activity of drugs and substances protecting against seizures evoked by mitochondrial toxin, 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA) was studied in mice. Non-selective A 1 /A 2 adenosine receptor antagonist, aminophylline and selective A 1 adenosine receptor antagonist, 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) diminished the anticonvulsive effects of diazepam, phenobarbital, valproate and gabapentin. In contrast, A 1 /A 2 adenosine receptor antagonist, 8-(p-sulfophenyl)theophylline (8pSPT) not penetrating via blood-brain barrier was ineffective. Aminophylline and DPCPX but not 8pSPT also reversed the protective action of A 1 /A 2 adenosine receptor agonist, 2-chloroadenosine (2-CADO) and selective A 1 adenosine receptor agonist, R-N 6 -phenylisopropyloadenosine (R-PIA), against 3-NPA-evoked convulsions. Obtained results suggest that the central adenosine A 1 receptor stimulation may play a role in the anticonvulsive potential of diazepam, phenobarbital, valproate and gabapentin in a novel model of 3-NPA-evoked seizures. Moreover, concomitant application of aminophylline with these drugs may reduce their clinical antiepileptic efficacy, especially among patients suffering from seizures related to the disturbances of mitochondrial respiratory chain.