Effect of scopolamine on the electrical resistance of the paw pads of mice.

We examined the electrical resistance of the paw pads of mice under the same conditions as used previously in studies of the passive avoidance response. Administration of scopolamine (0.05-1 mg/kg, SC) 10 or 30 min prior to placement of animals in an experimental box resulted in a profound increase in electrical resistance. In contrast, subcutaneous injection of butylscopolamine (1-20 mg/kg), diazepam (1 or 2 mg/kg), or pentobarbital (10 or 20 mg/kg) did not substantially alter subject resistance. Scopolamine may act on the CNS to induce increased paw skin resistance.