[Changes in the electrical activity of the cerebral cortical neurons in the rabbit under the effect of diazepam].

The microelectrode technique was applied in the study of changes in the electrical activity of the neurons of the sensory-motor cortex of the rabbit at various time after a single intravenous injection of diazepam (1--5 mg/kg). Several seconds after the injection there was revealed a marked depression of the neuronal activity spontaneous an that induced by stimulation of the sciatic nerve and also an increase in the duration of the inhibitory pause in the neuron responses to the afferent stimulation and direct stimulation of the cortical surface. These changes largely decreased 15 to 60 minutes after injection of the preparation. The results obtained were compared with the data of other investigators who studied clinical and pharmacokinetic effects of benzodiazepines. A conclusion was drawn on the association of the depressive influence of diazepam on the cortical activity with the sedative, amnestic and anticonvulsive effects of the agent, and also on the important role of psi-aminobutyric acid in the realization of these effects.