THE EFFECTS OF TWO ANTISEROTONIN SUBSTANCES (BAS AND BAB) AND OF BUFOTENIN ON THE SPONTANEOUS ELECTRIC ACTIVITY OF THE BRAIN1

Abstract

BAS (benzyldi-methylserotonin) induces convulsive-like nonspreading electric discharges in the hippocampus of the rabbit. BAB (benzyldimethyl-bufotenin) produces continuous fast activity localized to the lenticular nucleus, chiefly in the putamen. The amplitude is 3 to 4 times larger than that of waves of comparable frequency normally present in the lenticular nucleus and in other parts of the rabbit brain. Bufotenin (N.N-dimethylserotonin) causes the disappearance of slow wave high voltage activity and introduces an enduring "alert" desynchronized pattern. The eeg in 12 to 15 chronic psychotic patients did not show significant changes under treatment with BAS. In 3 subjects only, however, a decrease of the amplitude and slowing of the fundamental alpha activity were observed.