Evaluation of Five Methods for Testing Anticonvulsant Activities

Abstract

Summary 1. Anticonvulsant activities of 10 CNS depressants were determined by the following 5 procedures: (a) Supramaximal electroshock; (b) supramaximal chemoshock (Metrazol); (c) “psychomotor” seizure; (d) subcutaneous Metrazol; and (e) intravenous Metrazol (a minimal convulsive dose). 2. Results indicate that intensity of convulsive stimuli, electrical or Metrazol, is the important factor in determining anticonvulsant property of a compound. The order of anticonvulsant activities of these compounds is the same whether determined according to the first two methods by the abolition of hind leg extensor seizure, or according to the latter three methods by the inhibition of a minimal clonic seizure response. 3. Reasons are given for our preference of the supramaximal electroshock and the subcutaneous Metrazol method for screening for potential antiepileptic compounds.