Convulsive Effects of Antibiotic Agents on the Cerebral Cortex

Abstract

Large doses of penicillin injected intrathecally in man (40,000 units) or monkey (10,000 units) caused generalized convulsions followed in some cases by coma and death. Application of 250 units to the cerebral cortex of the macaque induced epileptic attacks. Cisternal injn. of 2,500 units of streptomycin in the monkey induced severe cerebellar dysfunction. Streptothrycin applied to the parietal cortex in the monkey (5,000-10,000 units) caused convulsions. Actinomycin (1 mg.) inj. into the cerebral cortex caused convulsions and death. Clavacin (5-10 mg.) injected into the cerebral cortex induced convulsions.