A STUDY OF CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM STIMULANTS

¹ Research Laboratories, Parke, Davis & Company, Detroit, Michigan

A number of CNS stimulants have been investigated under two main categories based on whether or not they produce tonic extensor seizures in mice.

Among the tonic extensor seizure producing agents, 10-(2-dimethylaminopropyl)-9-acridone and hydralazine are shown to be picrotoxin-like, while 4-methyl-4-ethylglutarimide and ,,,- tetramethylsuccinimide are pentylenetetrazollike convulsants.

A comparative study has been carried out with the following excitants: diphenhydramine, cocaine, methyiphenidate, pipradrol, desoxyephedrine, ibogaine, lysergic acid diethylamide and 1,4-dipyrrolidino-2-butyne. They are incapable of inducing tonic extensor seizures in mice. The stimulant effects of these compounds differ by the running movements, (disorderly or coordinated), by the intensity of tremors and by the presence or absence of piloerection and salivation.

With the exception of the last two compounds, the other excitants are capable of suppressing electrically or pentylenetetrazol-induced tonic extensor seizures in mice but are ineffective in suppressing strychnine-or caffeine-induced tonic extensor seizures.