Localization of phenobarbital in mouse central system by immunofluorescence

Utilizing antibarbiturate serum in an indirect immunofluorescence system, phenobarbital has been detected in the central nervous system of mice given an overdose of drugs. Localizaiton was primarily within neurons of the limbic system, caudate nucleus, cerebellum, cervical spinal cord and trigeminal ganglion. The technic may be of value in acquiring additional information about the barbiturates as well as being of value to the forensic pathologist.