THE RELATION BETWEEN THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF ELECTRIC CURRENTS AND THEIR ELECTRONARCOTIC ACTION

Abstract

The effects of electrical currents applied to the brains of dogs with electrodes placed on the temples were studied. In addition to a type of electronarcosis (en.) which resembled chemical narcosis and was described by Leduc, another, characterized by righting reflexes and hyper-kinesis, was observed. The quiet type was designated as the narcotic, the unquiet type as the kinetic type of en. A wide variety of frequencies of either pulsating or alternating current produced both types of en. and which type appeared was for the most part an individual reaction. The relation between the pulse duration and the pulse strength necessary to produce the same depth of en. was detd.; this relation resembled closely the strength-duration curves of peripheral nerves. For alternating current, the relation between the frequency and the current strength necessary to maintain the same depth of en. resembled the pararesonance curves obtained for peripheral nerves. The electronarcotic effect of direct current was small as compared with that of pulsating or alternating current. It is concluded from 2, 3 and 4 that en. is due to the stimulating properties of the current applied.