Increased Permeability of the Hemoencephalic Barrier Produced by Physostigmine and Acetylcholine

Abstract

Studies were made on the effect of physostigmine, a specific inhibitor of cholinesterase, and acetylcholine on the rate of passage of dye through the hemoencephalic barrier, as indicated by the degree of staining of the cords of frogs treated with physostigmine, acetylcholine, and acid fuchsin, and on the time of onset of convulsions. Results showed that the permeability of the hemoencephalic barrier of frogs to acid fuchsin appears to be increased by the inhibition of cholinesterase by physostigmine.