Abstract
The effects of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) on the responses of mesencephalic reticular formation (MRF) neurons of the cat to visual, auditory and somatosensory stimuli have been evaluated. Subconvulsant doses of PTZ caused over 90% of MRF neurons which were previously unresponsive to any sensory stimuli to become abruptly responsive to stimuli in at least one sensory modality. Administration of PTZ also enhanced the responses of over 90% of previously responsive MRF neurons. Following termination of PTZ administration the response of these neurons gradually returned towards predrug patterns. These changes in MRF neuronal responses correlated well with the PTZ-induced changes in MRF sensory-evoked field potential changes and indicate one possible mechanism for these effects. Response attenuation (habituation) observed in MRF neurons appeared to be reversed by PTZ administration in some cases. These effects on MRF neurons may play a role in the triggering of generalized seizures by PTZ administration and may also be involved in seizure mechanisms of other convulsant drugs.
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