Behavioral and electroencephalographic effects of a serotonin receptor agonist (5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) in a feline model of photosensitive epilepsy.
Neuroscience letters – April 13, 1992
Source: PubMed
Summary
5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeODMT) significantly reduced photically induced myoclonus by 50% in a study involving lateral geniculate-kindled cats at a dosage of 4 mg/kg. This effect was observed 30 minutes to 1 hour post-injection, although it did not impact paroxysmal EEG activity. Notably, the behavioral signs exhibited were reminiscent of serotonin syndrome, highlighting the important role serotonin plays in photosensitive epilepsy. The findings suggest that the antiepileptic effects stem from 5-MeODMT's action on 5-HT1 receptors.
Abstract
The effects of a serotonin (5-HT) receptor agonist, 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeODMT), on epileptic photosensitivity were studied in the lateral geniculate-kindled cat. 5-MeODMT at 4 mg/kg significantly suppressed photically induced myoclonus, but not paroxysmal EEG activity, at 0.5-1 h after injection. This antiepileptic effect was seen in association with the appearance of behavioral signs similar to those seen in the 5-HT syndrome. The present data provide further evidence that 5-HT plays an important role in photosensitive epilepsy, and suggest that the inhibitory effect of 5-MeODMT on photosensitivity results from its agonist action at 5-HT1 receptors.