[Effect of hydantoins on urinary excretion of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid]

The investigations were carried out in 10 patients with epileptic seizures. The obtained results were compared with those in a control group of 20 healthy subjects. The 24-hour urinary excretion of 5-HIAA efore hydantoinal and on the 1st, 2dn and 3rd days of hydantoinal administration was determined by the method of Udenfried et al. as modified by McFarlane et al. It was found that healthy subjects excreted significantly more 5-HIAA before and after hydantoinal load. Administration of this drug increased significantly the excretion of this metabolite with urine, in healthy subjects but in epileptics it had no significant effect on 5-HIAA level in 24-hour urine.