The effect of pretreatment with magnesium sulfate on the initiation of seizure foci in anesthetized cats.

The therapeutic effect of magnesium sulfate remains unknown. Its role as an anticonvulsant is controversial. The effect of pretreatment with parenteral magnesium sulfate on the ability to initiate penicillin-induced seizure foci in anesthetized cats was studied. All animals in the experimental group achieved serum magnesium levels of greater than 10 mg/dl. No significant difference in epileptic spike frequency between the experimental and control groups was demonstrated.