RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 THE EFFECTS OF ATROPINE ON THE ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM AND BEHAVIOR IN MAN
JF Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
JO J Pharmacol Exp Ther
FD American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
SP 265
OP 272
VO 128
IS 3
A1 A. M. Ostfeld
A1 Xenia Machne
A1 K. R. Unna
YR 1960
UL http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/128/3/265.abstract
AB The effects of 10 mg of atropine by mouth on peripheral autonomic functions, on the spontaneous EEG, on the electroencephalographic response to photic stimulation, and on behavior were measured in ten subjects. After atropine, pulse rate was increased by 60% and saliva volume decreased by 68%. The duration of the EEG "arousal" response after both single and repetitive flashes was reduced to one-half the predrug measurement. The effects of atropine on salivation, on pulse rate and on the EEG "arousal" response were maximal at 2 hours after administration of the drug, but were no longer present at 4 hours. Consistent behavioral effects of atropine were a decrease in spontaneous speech and movement, impairment of memory and attention, increased drowiness and a reduction by 88% in the Energetic Scale of the Clyde Mood Scale. The spontaneous EEG exhibited a consistent shift toward lower amplitide and slow activity. The alpha index decreased by 60%. The effects on both, behavior and spontaneous EEG, were maximal after 3 to 4 hours and persisted for from 7 to 10 hours. Thus, a close temporal correlation was established between changes in the spontaneous EEG and behavioral effects induced by atropine. The depression of the EEG "arousal" response may be attributed to an action of atropine on the reticular activating system, occurring simultaneously with and independently of the effects which modify the spontaneous EEG rhythm.