The effects of d-amphetamine and temperature on p-cresol and pentylenetetrazol induced convulsions

Each of twelve (12) rats were subjected to temperatures of 37°C, 20°C, and 4°C in an environmental chamber. Seizure responses to p-cresol injections produced a U-shaped function, with minimal seizures occuring at 20°C. Subsequent administration of d-amphetamine eliminated seizures, except at 4°C, at which temperature only stereotyped behavior was observed. Environmental temperature effects on metrazol injections in a second group (N=72) seemed to increase linearly with respect to seizure susceptibility and mortality, although latency to first seizure was also a U-shaped function. The findings are discussed in the context of developing a model of epilepsy appropriate for behavioral research.