The effects of chronic dietary phenytoin on 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels in rats.
Rats were given, by means of the diet, phenytoin (PHT) every day for either 4 (400-800 mg/kg) or 14 (400 mg/kg) weeks. Serum values of PHT in both cases were in the pharmacological range (10-15 microg/ml). An increase in brain 5-HIAA levels was noted after 4 but not 14 weeks of PHT administration. There was no change in brain 5-HT levels. In accordance with results in epileptic patients, it appears that under some circumstances, PHT can increase 5-HIAA levels, but the mechanism of this action is unknown.
Joyal
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Hôtel-Dieu Hospital, Neurology Service, Section of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, Montreal, Canada H2W 1T8.
Lalonde
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Botez
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MI