THE DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL ELECTROLYTE, POTASSIUM AND SODIUM IN THE CEREBRAL CORTEX IN RELATION TO EXPERIMENTAL CONVULSIONS

Abstract

Studies utilizing the methods of micro-incineration and crystallographic analysis of micro-incinerated prepns. indicate that changes of total electrolyte, Na and K of cerebral cortical neurones accompany or follow exptl. convulsions in rats and rabbits. Typically, these neurone changes involved a diffuse increase of total (heat-resistant) electrolyte, a loss of K and a gain of Na. The described changes were detected quite consistently in rabbits given metrazol or electroshock convulsions and in 50% of rats subjected to audiogenic convulsions. The factors of asphyxia, exercise, anesthesia, and cortical topography contributed to the observed changes. These shifts of electrolytes had a duration of less than 31/2 hrs. (in the case of rabbits given electroshock convulsions) and it is concluded that they are directly associated with neuronal activity.