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“Barbiturate Thresholds” in the rabbit

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Summary

As a step toward exploring mechanisms determining the sedation threshold, methods were devised for measuring barbiturate thresholds in the rabbit. These utilized the behavioral indicator of head drop and the effect of thiopental on the EEG. The reliability of these thresholds was studied and attempts were made to determine whether they were altered by experimental “conflict” and premedication with chlorpromazine. amphetamine, and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH). Results suggest that rabbit barbiturate thresholds resemble those in man. Specific effects of “conflict” were not demonstrated. Although amphetamine and ACTH produced no consistent effects, chlorpromazine caused a marked decrease in threshold.

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Author notes

  1. Hugh H. Keasling

    Present address: Upjohn Co., Kalamazoo, Michigan

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, and Psychopathic Hospital, State University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa

    Charles Shagass, Robert M. Bittle, Hugh H. Keasling & Marvin Schwartz

Authors
  1. Charles Shagass
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  2. Robert M. Bittle
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  3. Hugh H. Keasling
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  4. Marvin Schwartz
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Additional information

Supported in part by a grant (MY-2635) from the National Institute of Mental Health and a summer medical student Research training grant to R.M. Bittle from National Institutes of Health.

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Shagass, C., Bittle, R.M., Keasling, H.H. et al. “Barbiturate Thresholds” in the rabbit. Psychopharmacologia 3, 204–211 (1962). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00412107

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00412107

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