Effect of catecholaminergic drugs on epileptogenic properties of the caudate nucleus.

Drugs stimulating catecholaminergic transmission (dopa, apomorphine, amphetamine, and their combination with disulfiram) weakened the epileptogenic properties of the caudate nucleus in freely moving rats. Under the influence of these drugs the cortical electroencephalographic response to single stimulation of the nucleus was shortened in animals receiving subconbulsant doses of leptazol and the intensity of the spike-wave rhythm bound with repeated caudate stimuli was reduced. Conversely, inhibitors of catecholaminergic transmission (chlorpromazine, haloperidol, alpha-methyltyrosine, and disulfiram) potentiated the epileptogenic effects of the caudate nucleus.