[The central effects of a steroid alkaloid, Buxaminol-E, in conscious cats]

Buxaminol-E injected i.v. to conscious cats evoked hypothermia, tachypnoe, anorexia, salivation, defecation, decrease of spontaneous activity and sensitivity to painful stimulus and agitation during its administration. The above mentioned effects of B--E, with the exception of the antinociceptive action which was not examined and of the initial excitation, were observed also after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of B--E, and they were depressed by atropine administered i.c.v. Our findings suggest a central cholinergic action of B--E in conscious cats. Paroxysmal tonic-clonic convulsions and circling observed only after i.c.v. administration of B--E and piloerection, ataxia and urination were not inhibited by atropine administered i.c.v.