PROPERTIES OF MAXIMAL SEIZURES, AND THEIR ALTERATION BY ANTICONVULSANT DRUGS AND OTHER AGENTS

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Abstract
Seizures produced in rabbits, cats, and rats by electroshock intensities not far above threshold are usually characterized by extreme tonic extension, and are relatively constant in duration. This tonic extensor type of seizure is not altered by further increase in stimulus intensity or by lowering of threshold. Once it has begun it cannot be modified by additional stimulation while in progress. When the tonic extensor component is abolished by repeated electroshock, it may be restored by stimulation during a seizure. The depression following tonic extensor convulsions is uniform in duration and greater than for purely clonic seizures, although the latter are often considerably longer. The tonic extensor seizure would appear to represent the maximum rate of dissipation of energy of which the brain is capable. The clinically recognized antiepileptic agents abolish the tonic phase of major seizures even when these drugs fail to raise appreciably the threshold for electroshock or metrazol seisures. Diphenyl-hydantoin and phenobarbital show the highest protective index. Several new agents including tridione (3,5,5-trimethyl oxazolidine-2,4-dione) rank with phenobarbital in efficacy. A rapid and simple method for detecting and evaluating exptl. antiepileptic agents is presented.

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