Effect of chronic administration and withdrawal of sodium barbitone on protein synthesis of rat brain.

After chronic administration of sodium barbitone to rats, a marked increase incorporation of [14C]-Leucine into isolated nerve endings was observed. Withdrawal of the drug resulted in a decreased incorporation with respect to values obtained with chronic ingesting animals. On the other hand chronic administration of the barbiturate produced a decreased incorporation in mitochondrial and microsomal fractions. These results are discussed in relation to the development of tolerance and abstinence syndrome to this drug.