Histochemical Studies on Brain Glycogen of the Guinea Pig and its Alteration Following Electric Shock

Abstract

30 healthy male adult guinea pigs were given electroshocks (16 mA, 60 cycles AC, 20 volts) which, on 5-second stimulation, produced tonic-clonic convulsions for about 40 seconds, followed by 1-2 minutes of coma. "Immediately after a single shock the neocortex generally revealed a moderate decrease in glycogen content in the molecular layer, while the substantia nigra, formatio reticularis of the bulb, and inferior olivary nucleus showed a moderate to slight increase. 10 consecutive shocks resulted in marked depletion of glycogen from most parts of the brain, whereas 5 shocks produced slight raise of glycogen. 1 or 10 days following 10 days'' shock moderate to prominent increment of glycogen was noted in the molecular layer of the neocortex, a less marked one occurring in other parts of the brain. The changes of glycogen content following electroshock were confined to the neuropil." 23 references.