Abstract
Effects of desoxynupharidine hydrochloride (DN) on the central nervous system of cats were studied using electric physiological techniques. With regard to the EEG arousal responses, DN (1-3 mg/kg, i.v.) inhibited the responses induced by midbrain reticular formation and posterior hypothalamus (P-Hypo) stimulation. The threshold voltage of stimulation was elevated. DN decreased the amplitude of the augmenting response and the recruiting response induced by the stimulation of specific and non-specific pathways in the thalamus. As to the evoked potentials in the somatosensory area I, DN decreased the amplitude of the fast and late components. This compound slightly inhibited the monosynaptic and polysynaptic reflexes, in the spinal cats. With regard to autonomic responses on stimulation of the P-Hypo, DN decreased contractions in the nictitating membrane, the hypertensive action and the galvanic skin response. Our findings indicate that the inhibitory effects of DN on the central nervous system may be related to the brainstem reticular formation and the hypothalamus activating system, the non-specific pathway, the specific pathway and the limbic system etc., and may involve the central anti-adrenergic actions.
