title: Effects of melatonin on the photosensitive epilepsy of the baboon, Papio papio.
abstract: The acute pharmacological effects of melatonin (5-methoxy-N-acetyl-tryptamine) were evaluated on behaviour and electrographic signs in the photosensitive baboon (Papio papio), including visually evoked potentials VEPs). Doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg i.v. had little effect, contrasting with the enhancement of spontaneous paroxysmal activity and latency of clinical signs elicited by intermittent light stimulation (ILS) produced by the 20 and 50 mg/kg doses. Moreover, a modification of the electrographic pattern of discharge during ILS-induced myoclonic responses was observed. These observations indicate a slight decrease of light sensitivity after melatonin. Only frontal VEPs were modified, with increase in amplitude of their late components for all doses tested. These effects lasted for 2-4 h. The participation of serotoninergic mechanisms involved in melatonin effect and in this model of experimental epilepsy are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005071:Evoked Potentials; D005260:Female; D000882:Haplorhini; D008027:Light; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010215:Papio; D011930:Reaction Time; D012640:Seizures / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D008550:Melatonin