Effects of Liver Injury and Nephrectomy on the Anticonvulsant Activity of Phenacemide.

Abstract

Phenurone was tested at various time intervals after administration in normal, liver-injured and nephrectomized rats for its ability to prevent the tonic extensor component of maximal electroshock seizures. The results were analyzed for the effect of liver injury and nephrectomy on the potency and the duration of anticonvulsant action of this compound. Liver injury significantly increased the potency and the duration of anticonvulsant action; on the other hand, bilateral nephrectomy had no significant effect on the anticonvulsant properties of this agent. The results suggest that, in the rat, the liver is the principal organ for the degradation of Phenurone into products devoid of anticonvulsant action, and that the kidney plays no important role in the metabolic alteration or excretion of this compound.