Attenuating actions of diazepam on the photomyoclonic reflex.
The photomyoclonic reflex (PMR), consisting of a one- or two-component blink reflex associated with the flash electroretinogram (ERG), is sensitive to the acute effect of intravenously administered diazepam. In the 29% (two of seven) of normal volunteers who had a PMR, diazepam reduced it to a nonobservable level. Diazepam also had a significant attenuating effect on the a- and b-waves of the ERG; the magnitude of attenuation in normal volunteers, however, probably would not alter a clinical diagnosis based on ERG. These two findings together predict that individuals known to have a marked PMR may have the diagnostic risk associated with these specious artifacts reduced by receiving diazepam before clinical ERG studies are begun.
Jaffe
M J
MJ
Neuropsychiatry Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Washington, D.C. 20032.
Hommer
D W
DW
D000328:Adult; D003975:Diazepam / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004596:Electroretinography; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012018:Reflex / Q000187:drug effects*; D012160:Retina / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
D003975:Diazepam