EXPERIMENTAL PRODUCTION OF ELECTRICAL MAJOR CONVULSIVE PATTERNS

Abstract

In-tracarotid injn. of diisopropylfluorophosphate into curarized rabbits produced high amplitude rapid frequency waves on the electrocorticogram similar to those seen in grand mal seizures of status epilepticus. Various patterns were demonstrated that resemble other epileptic tracings. These electrical changes were associated with extreme decrease of cholinesterase activity but in no instance was all such activity eliminated. Because of the destruction of cholinesterase it is probable that the convulsant patterns are produced by the excessive accumulation of a normal metabolic product of the brain, namely, acetylcholine, an interpretation supported by the prevention of the seizure patterns by the injn. of atropine.