Effects of sauvagine on behavioural arousal of mice

The effects of natural and synthetic sauvagine on locomotor activity and ECS-induced seizures were studied in DBA/2 mice. A dose-dependent activity depression was evident following the administration of both compounds. Moreover they exerted a protective effect against ECS-induced seizures. This effect was naloxone-reversible, suggesting the involvement of endogenous opioids. In both series of experiments natural sauvagine was more effective than the synthetic compound.