Abstract
Behavioral studies in cats and mice and electroencephalographic investigations in cats indicate that sodium γ-hydroxybutyrate by i.v., i.p. and oral routes of administration is a central nervous system depressant agent with a characteristic dose dependent spectrum of activity, and a very low order of toxicity.
In doses of 100 mg/kg and higher, decreased responsiveness to optic, acoustic and pain stimuli, drowsiness associated with ataxia, decreased spontaneous motor activity, muscular flaccidity and a state of detachment from environmental conditions were observed.
In accord with the behavioral findings, electroencephalographic studies indicated slowing of electrical brain activity, decreased responsiveness of the reticular activating system to electrical stimuli, enhancement of thalamo-cortical recruitment and a trend toward prolongation of induced seizure activity of the limbic system.
From the results obtained the effects of sodium γ-hydroxybutyrate can readily be differentiated from those of the known sedatives, hypnotics and tranquilizers.
Footnotes
- Received August 7, 1961.
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