[Influence of clonazepam on interictal penicillin-spikes (author's transl)]

This paper deals with the action of Clonazepam on Penicillin induced interictal discharges. In 7 rabbits Penicillin was applied epicortically in a concentration of 25,000 or 50,000 I.U. The intracortical recordings were made with an 8 fold electrode, made by thin-film technology. Clonazepam (0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg) was given intravenously 30 to 45 min after the Penicillin application. Under Clonazepam the occurrence of double-und multiple interictal discharge is abolished. Single spikes become shorter and are significantly reduced in amplitude. Current Source-Density analysis showed that the configuration of sources and sinks is not altered under the action of this drug. However the spatio-temporal distribution is reduced drastically. If the shape of interictal spikes is compared by means of averaging technique before and after the application of Clonazepam, one observes a significant decrease in the standard deviation. These results indicate that excitatory processes are reduced by an enhancement of inhibitory phenomena within the cerebral cortex.