Brain amines and convulsions in four strains of parathyroidectomized, pinealectomized rat

The tendency for four strains of parathyroidectomized (PTx) rats to convulse after pinealectomy (Px) was observed in this experiment; telencephalic serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine were examined to note any correlation between amines and convulsions. The strains of rats tested were Sprague-Dawley, Wistar, Long-Evans, and ACI. Duration to onset of convulsions was shortest in the PTx + Px Long-Evans. No convulsions were noted in the PTx +Px ACI strain, but at least 70% of the animals in each of the other PTx + Px groups did convulse. The administration of calcium gluconate (70 mg/kg) intraperitoneally in saline did not alleviate convulsions in the PTx + PTx Sprague-Dawley. Telencephalic serotonin was lowered in the PTx +Px Wistar while norepinephrine was depressed in the PTx + Px Long-Evans rat. Dopamine levels did not change. Previous work in the PTx +Px induced convulsion has led to the implication of norephinephrine alone, but this work indicates serotonin may be involved in some strains. The need for further study of the genesis of convulsions in the PTx + Px rat is clearly indicated.