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Biochemical modulations of the transcephalic direct current circuit in humans

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Summary

The transcephalic dc potentials were defined and techniques of measurement and analysis were described. The effects of a number of chemical variables on the TCDC potentials of normal and senile subjects were described. The variables included: thyroid, testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, cortisone and ethanol administrations; water loading; hypocapnia due to hyperventilation; and blood sugar and eosinophile determinations. The results showed that the TCDC potentials are very sensitive to certain of the above factors and the effects are compatible with the hypothesis that the voltages are modulated by changes in the permeability of the cortical blood brain barrier system.

Descriptors: dc bio-electricity, cortisone, thyroid, hyperventilation, blood sugar, eosinophile counts, testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, alcohol, water loading, TCDC circuit.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Veterans Administration Hospital, 800 Irving Avenue, 13210, Syracuse, N. Y.

    Murray A. Cowen M.D.

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  1. Murray A. Cowen M.D.
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Additional information

This study was supported by the Veterans Administration and was submitted to theQuarterly on September 24, 1969.

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Cowen, M.A. Biochemical modulations of the transcephalic direct current circuit in humans. Psych Quar 44, 408–421 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01562985

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01562985

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