Alterations of the cortical evoked potential by topical application of taurine

The effects of topical application of taurine and glycine upon cortical evoked potentials induced by tactile stimulation have been studied in urethane-anaesthetized rats. The amplitudes of both the primary positive component (P1) and the following negative wave (N1) of the evoked potential were markedly increased by the application of 25 mM taurine but were not significantly altered by 25 mM glycine. These results indicate a possible depressant action of taurine at superficial cortical layers.