[Pharmalogic effects of benzonitrile on the central nervous system]

The present experiments intended to explore the psychopharmacological properties of benzonitrile on mice. Benzonitrile decreased motility, muscular force and inquisitiveness. The hypnotic effects of chloral and pentobarbital were increased by benzonitrile. The drug antagonized reserpine-induced palpebral ptosis and apomorphine-induced stereotypy. That benzonitrile was more effective against convulsions induced by pentetrazol and electric shock than those induced by strychnine suggested a central site of action. Perhaps benzonitrile interfers with the release or the action of central amines.