Optimizing the pentetrazol infusion test for seizure threshold measurement

• DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-7158.1986.tb03114.x
• Publication Date: 2011-04-12T21:14:10Z
• Authors: D J Nutt; S C Taylor; H J Little
• Keywords: Male; 0301 basic medicine; Mice; 03 medical and health sciences; Time Factors; 0302 clinical medicine; Seizures; Animals; Pentylenetetrazole; Anticonvulsants; Infusions, Intravenous

Abstract Seizure thresholds in mice were determined using the pentetrazol infusion method. Concentration of infusate and rate of infusion were varied to assess the optimal parameters for seizure threshold detection. Seizure threshold elevations were produced by flurazepam and threshold decreases by FG 7142. An infusion rate of 1.1 ml min−1 was best for detecting both increases and decreases in threshold. However a concentration of 2.5 mg ml−1 gave optimal measurement of elevations in threshold whereas decreased thresholds were best detected with a concentration of 10 mg ml−1.