Abstract
The effects of diphenyihydantoin on the thresholds for tonic hindlimb flexion, for minimal seizures elicited by a.c. stimulation (a.c. EST), and for low-frequency stimulation (l.f. EST) were studied in rats and mice during maturation. Diphenylhydantoin markedly increased the threshold for flexion in rats of all age groups studied. In rats, the drug increased the a.c. EST up to 15 days of age and did not change the threshold thereafter; in mice, it increased the a.c. EST up to 18 days of age and did not change the threshold thereafter. Diphenylhydantoin did not influence the l.f. EST in mice prior to 17 days of age. After 17 days of age the drug significantly increased the thresholds in the remaining age groups studied.
The age-dependent effect of diphenylhydantoin toin on a.c. threshold is thought to be related to its depressant effect on some central inhibitory systems. As a result of these inhibitory depressant effects of diphenylhydantoin, excitatory systems are released which may antagonize its a.c. EST-elevating effects in the adult.
Footnotes
- Accepted January 6, 1965.
- The Williams & Wilkins Comapny
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