Abstract
Reserpine has a dual action on the maximum electroshock seizure of the mat. At low dosage levels there is facilitation of the seizure whereas at high doses there is inhibition. The facilitation is detected as an induction of the extension component and is seen only in those animals which consistently lack this phase (flexors). The inhibition is seen in all animals (flexors and extensors) and manifests itself as a loss of the flexion component and a decreased duration of the extension phase. At these high doses reserpine antagonizes both the potency and duration of anticonvulsant action of acetazolamide. Raising the dose of acetazolamide overcomes the antagonism and simultaneously restores the flexion and extension phases to approximately normal duration. The reversal of reserpine's alteration in the maximum electroshock seizure pattern by acetazolamide argues for a competitive inhibition between these two drugs which may occur at the membrane or receptor level.
Footnotes
- Received March 2, 1970.
- Accepted October 14, 1970.
- © 1971 by The Williams & Wilkins Co.
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