Pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling is prevented by prior treatment with cysteamine.

We have previously demonstrated that in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-kindled rats, cysteamine causes prolonged depression of the kindled state. We now report that administration of cysteamine before or during the kindling process prevents attainment of the kindled state. This effect lasts long after cysteamine administration has ceased, suggesting that depletion or somatostatin may not be the only mechanism underlying cysteamine's effect on kindling. The results also support the likelihood that PTZ kindling primarily effects neocortical rather than limbic structures.