Effect of Metrazol and Nembutal on Motor Activity in the Spinal Cat

Abstract

We have investigated the effect of Metrazol and Nembutal upon spontaneous and evoked motor activity in 12 cats after high spinal section. After injection of Metrazol, 11 cats had spontaneous seizure discharges and 8 had bilateral muscular responses to electrical stimulation of a cutaneous nerve. Spontaneous seizures were less synchronized and more often remained localized than those seen in the intact animal. Generalized myoclonic jerks were never seen in response to stimulation but remained relatively localized. Nembutal, even in very small doses, exerted a markedly depressant action in the spinal animals.