Effect of selegiline and desmethyl-selegiline on cortical electric activity in rats

The pharmaco-EEG changes caused by the monoamine oxidase (MAO) B inhibitor selegiline were compared with the frequency band alterations aroused by its desmethyl metabolite after oral administration in rats. After single administration (5 mg/kg) the EEG changes caused by selegiline or desmethyl-selegiline differed significantly. Distinct decreases in delta and clear increases in theta EEG frequency bands were obvious after administration of selegiline. The single oral dose of desmethyl-selegiline (5 mg/kg) caused only trendly the same EEG changes observed after giving the mother compound. Following repeated administration on four consecutive days no significant differences in the frequency band changes could be seen after selegiline or desmethyl-selegiline. Based on present results it is likely that the mode of action of desmethyl-selegiline appears to be similar or identical with the mode of action of the parent compound, selegiline.