ON THE MECHANISM OF THE CONVULSANT ACTION OF STRYCHNINE; THE LACK OF ATROPINE ANTAGONISM

¹ Department of Pharmacology, Cornell University Medical College, New York City
² Department of Pharmacology, University of Wisconsin Medical College, Madison

1. The electrical manifestations of strychnine action upon the neuraxis of the cat have been studied.

2. Atropine exerts no effect upon these manifestations although it is very effective against those caused by the powerful anti-cholinesterase, DFP.

3. The facts indicate that it is unlikely that strychnine action upon the spinal cord is referable to its anti-cholinesterase properties.

4. Neither strychnine nor DFP spinal convulsions are well sustained unless the neuraxis is intact.

5. The maximal frequency with which synapses react in the upper lumbar region of the cat has been shown to be about 28 per second.