The partial benzodiazepine agonist properties of Ro 15-1788 in pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures in cats.

The effects of Ro 15-1788, a specific benzodiazepine antagonist, were studied on pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures in cats. Ro 15-1788 decreased the number of myoclonic jerks induced by a subconvulsive dose of pentylenetetrazol (12.5 mg/kg, i.m.). Ro 15-1788 suppressed generalized convulsive seizures induced by a minimal convulsive dose of pentylenetetrazol (25-35 mg/kg), but did not block the effects of higher doses (35-45 mg/kg). These results indicate that Ro 15-1788 is not a pure benzodiazepine antagonist, but has partial agonistic properties.