[The effects of bromazepam on contingent negative variation and reaction time in a visuomotor task].
BACKGROUND
Bromazepam is the second most commonly used benzodiazepine in Brazil. Psychophysiological research on this substance is still in its early stages.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the neurotoxicity of bromazepam by examining reaction times (RT) and contingent negative variations (CNV).


METHODS
Using a videogame produced in our laboratory for psychophysiological research purposes (Car Acquisition), 14 healthy volunteers (9 males) aged between 23 and 42 drove a vehicle along a road full of curves (i.e. distractors) while they had to respond to imperative stimuli (i.e. orders to press the button on the joystick) that were preceded by warnings (S1-S2-RM paradigm with distractor). We compared RT, amplitudes and latencies of the CNV at each of the three electrodes on the median line (Fz, Cz and Pz) one hour after random, double-blind and crossed administration of placebo (P), 3 mg of bromazepam (B3) or 6 mg of bromazepam (B6) on different days.


METHODS
one-way ANOVA and Post Hoc Scheffé.


RESULTS
No significant differences were observed in the RT. At Pz, the CNV amplitudes displayed significant differences for P, B3 and B6 (p = 0.006), and also for B3 and B6 (p = 0.018), with B6 > B3 = P. At Fz, a non-significant tendency (p = 0.074) suggested a difference between the latencies, shorter in B6 than in B3 (p = 0.098), both equivalent to placebo. The mean amplitudes ranged between 2.4 and 5.9 microV.


CONCLUSIONS
Behavioural and neurophysiological neurotoxicity was insignificant one hour after administration of a single 3 or 6 mg dose of bromazepam in healthy young adults. Low mean amplitudes were compatible with the interference from distractors and did not result in floor effect.
Fridman
S
S
Instituto de Psiquiatría, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. sanderfridman@yahoo.com
Bezerra
R
R
Cagy
M
M
Basile
L
L
Piedade
R A
RA
Ribeiro
P
P
D000328:Adult; D001960:Bromazepam / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects*; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000187:drug effects*
D001960:Bromazepam