THE EFFECT OF CHOLIN-LIKE SUBSTANCES ON THE CEREBRAL ELECTRICAL DISCHARGES IN EPILEPSY.

Abstract

IN a recent paper (Williams and Russell, 1941) the effects of anticholinesterases on petit mal epilepsy were described. Clinical and subclinical attacks were recorded on the electro-encephalogram (e.e.g.) in epileptic subjects who were selected either for the frequency of their spontaneous attacks, or for the ease with which attacks could be induced. A dose of eserine insufficiently large to cause symptoms through its effect on the parasympathetic system in man was found to prevent petit mal activity, whereas a larger dose caused an increase in the number and duration of petit mal attacks. Prostigmin on the other hand invariably caused an increase in the epileptic activity seen in the e.e.g. and it reversed the effect of small doses of eserine. The work has been continued in an attempt to establish the mode of action of these drugs and to discover the effect of other substances known to modify transmission at cholinergic endings. The present paper contains observations on the effect of acetylcholine and allied drugs upon the incidence of epileptic cerebral discharges, and the results are discussed in relation to the site of action of the substances.