Abstract
Changes in single unit activity were studied by a microelectrode technique in the sensomotor cortex of rabbits at different times after a single intravenous injection of diazepam (1–5 mg/kg). A few seconds after the injection of diazepam marked depression of spontaneous activity and of activity evoked by sciatic nerve stimulation was observed, together with an increase in the duration of the inhibitory pause in responses of the neurons to afferent stimulation and to direct stimulation of the cortical surface. These changes were considerably reduced 15–60 min after injection of diazepam. The results were compared with those of other workers who studied the clinical and pharmacokinetic effects of the benzodiazepines. It is concluded that the depressant effect of diazepam on cortical activity is connected with its sedative, amnesic, and anticonvulsant effect, and also that GABA plays an important role in the mechanism of these effects.
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