Role of serotoninergic and adrenergic mechanisms in the action of prominal.

The aim of this work was determination of the interrelations between the metabolism of biogenic amines in the brain and the action of Prominal. The power of the anticonvulsive action of Prominal was decreased by p-chlorphenylalanine (PCPA). The influence of the tested anticonvulsant on the levels of noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and on serotonin turnover was investigated and a correlation was found between the anticonvulsive action of Prominal and its effect on the serotonin level. Prominal increased serotonin synthesis and turnover in the brain. It may be supposed that the anticonvulsive action of Prominal is connected with its effect of serotonin metabolism in the central nervous system.