Staphylococcal alpha toxin induced changes in the electroencephalogram of the rat.

Staphylococcal alpha-toxin at 1 microgram and 10 micrograms was injected into the right lateral ventricle of the brain of conscious, unrestrained rats. Clinical behavior and changes in EEG patterns were monitored. Clinical behavior attributed to alpha-toxin intoxication consisted of intermittent periods of stretching, tremors, convulsions and 'barrel rolling'. The EEG patterns, selected from recordings obtained during quiescent periods of behavior, demonstrate focal spiking, with and without recruitment, slow waves, spindling and complex spikes. We conclude that the central nervous system is a critical target for the lethal action of alpha-toxin.