Convulsants

CONVULSANTS
  • Convulsants: Strychnine, Picrotoxin, Bicuculline and Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)
  • Strychnine: alkaloid from Strychnos nuxvomica (etti)
  • Potent convulsant – spinal stimulant
  • Inhibits glycine – a spinal cord neurotransmitter
  • Due to loss of synaptic inhibition, any stimulus is responded with hyperactivity
  • Not used. Banned for use. Treatment includes depressants and anaesthetics
  • Picrotoxin: from Anamirta cocculus – fish berries
  • GABA inhibition - prevents Cl- channel opening 
  • Clonic, spontaneous and asymmetrical convulsions – not used
  • Antidote – diazepam
  • Bicuculline – synthetic – picrotoxin-like action
  • GABA antagonist – as a research tool
  • PTZ causes CNS depolarization – similar to picrotoxin
  • Used in the past for stimulation in respiratory paralysis, circulatory failure, physical and mental improvement in dementia– not used now
  • Only used as an experimental tool.

Last modified: Wednesday, 16 May 2012, 6:15 AM