[Effect of diazepam and phenazepam on Leao's depression in brain edema]

Experiments on rats with brain edema under water intoxication were made to examine the effect of the benzodiazepine tranquilizers diazepam and phenazepam on the time course of the recovery of brain electrical activity after passing the spreading Leao's depression wave. It was found that the drugs indicated possess antiedematous properties and improve brain function under these conditions. It is assumed that the drug action on the spreading depression is linked with their effect on metabolic processes in the brain and antiedematous properties.