Effects of TRH-T and DN-1417 on the Central Nervous System: An Electrophysiological Study of Arousal Reaction and Evoked Muscular Discharges

Abstract

For the purpose of elucidating the effects of TRH and DN-1417 on the CNS, electrophysiological experiments were performed and the following observed. 1. TRH and DN-1417 exerted threshold-decreasing action not only on the threshold for arousal reaction but also on the threshold for evoked muscular discharges, which occur on stimulation of the brainstem reticular formation. 2. The threshold decreasing effect of DN-1417 was stronger than that of TRH, not only for the arousal reaction but also for the evoked muscular discharges. 3. Both TRH and DN-1417, with facilitating effects on the brainstem reticular formation, increased the number of spontaneous unit discharges. DN-1417 increased the number of reticular units, to the same degree as TRH with a smaller dose. These results indicate that both TRH and DN-1417 act on the nerve cells in the brainstem reticular formation, awaken consciousness and facilitate the function of the motor system.