ACTION OF ACETYLCHOLINE ON MOTOR CORTEX

Abstract

Sjostrand1demonstrated an increase in electrical activity of the cortex on topical application of acetylcholine following previous application of strychnine and physostigmine. Miller, Stavraky and Woonton2and Chatfield and Dempsey3found that 1 per cent solutions of acetylcholine bromide and chloride, respectively, applied locally to the previously physostigminized cortex produced an increase of electrical activity. Brenner and Merritt4confirmed these observations and demonstrated that the cortical application of stronger solutions of acetylcholine chloride without previous physostigminization resulted in electrical discharges. Brenner and Merritt pointed out the similarity of these discharges to those encountered in clinical electroencephalographic studies, more particularly to the types of electrical activity found during grand mal seizures. Because of this similarity of electrical patterns and because the parenteral administration of acetylcholine can produce seizures, Brenner and Merritt suggested that disorders of acetylcholine metabolism may be important in the causation or mechanism of convulsive