Changes in flash but not pattern evoked cortical potentials after subchronic application of a monoamine oxidase (MAO)...

Changes in flash but not pattern evoked cortical potentials after subchronic application of the MAO type A inhibitor pirlindole in man are reported. Pirlindole affects the deamination of serotonin and noradrenaline in the central nervous system and has serotonin reuptake inhibiting properties. Flash and pattern evoked cortical potentials were recorded in 6 healthy men before and after a 7 day period of treatment with 3 X 75 mg/day of pirlindole. After drug treatment, an increase in P100 latency to flash stimuli was seen without a change in the latency to pattern stimuli. This indicates that different neuronal systems process flash and pattern stimuli.