Effects of prostaglandin F2alpha on cerebral cortical evoked potentials

The cerebral cortical action of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) has been determined by recording the effects of intracarotid injections of PGF2alpha on cerebral evoked potentials. PGF2alpha differentially reduced cortical evoked potentials. The cortical action of PGF2alpha appeared to be qualitatively identical with that of norepinephrine (NE) but weaker. A protection of the cortex from the inhibitory action of NE by a preceding dose of PGF2alpha was demonstrated. The actions of both PGF2alpha and NE appear to be on the same or related postsynaptic receptors. The actions described were at doses that did not reduced oxygen availability. PGF2alpha may act as a modulator of adrenergic transmission in the cortex. The intracellular recording in the companion paper supplies the further critical evidence that PGF2alpha has a synaptic inhibitory action.