Modification of trifluperazine-catalepsy after repeated electro-convulsions in rats
Awasthi, P.K.; Dhawan, K.N.; Hasan, M.; Fatehyab Ali, S.; Chandra, O.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 19(7): 634-636
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5189 PMID: 6171511 Document Number: 170738
A combination of ECS-therapy and phenothiazines has been claimed as the most effective form of treatment for human schizophrenia but, extrapyramidal symptoms, particularly dystonic reaction and rigidity, have been reported following phenothiazine therapy. Trifluperazine-induced catalepsy and penetration of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in the brain substance were observed after repeated electroconvulsions in rats. Trifluperazine was administered by i.p. and intracerebroventricular (icv) routes, while HRP was injected through the left intrajugular vein. The cataleptic activity and permeation of HRP were observed 24 h after the last shock in ECS treated and control rats. The cataleptic activity was significantly increased in the ECS treated rats after i.p. administration of trifluperazine. This increase was not observed when the drug was given by icv route. The ECS-treated group also revealed significant leakage of HRP in the perivascular regions of the CNS. Apparently, the increased trifluperazine-induced cataleptic effect after electroconvulsions is due to increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier.