[Role of the catecholaminergic mechanisms and of the caudate nucleus in the development of generalized convulsions caused by the parenteral administration of penicillin].

In freely moving cats the behavioral and EEG-shifts, accompanied by myoclonic jerks with slow negative waves and spike-wave complexes in the cortexand caudate nucleus, were recorded following a single intramuscular injection of high penicillin doses. The stimulants of catecholaminergic transmission (L-DOPA and apomorphine) inhibited the development of such phenomena but facilitated origination of tonicoclonic cramps. The inhibitors of catecholaminergic synapses (aminazin and haloperidol) exerted reverse effects. The electrolytic injury to the caudate nucleus head also prevented formation of petit mal-like seizures while the threshold low-frequency stimulation of the nucleus increased penicillin effect.