Characterization of penicillin- and bicuculline-induced epileptiform discharges during development of striate cortex in rabbits.

A comparison was made between penicillin- and bicuculline-induced epileptiform activity. Aqueous solutions of either penicillin or bicuculline were applied to striate cortex of rabbit pups, and the electroencephalogram was monitored. Applications were made twice daily for 14 consecutive days beginning on postnatal day 8-9. During this time period, interictal spikes generated by bicuculline and penicillin displayed similar properties in most respects. However, the morphology of spikes induced by each convulsant was different.