Neurotoxicity of Different Penicillins and the Effect of Diazepam and Phenytoin on Penicillin-Induced Convulsions

Abstract

Since 1946 more than 80 cases of peniciIlin-encephalopathy have been published (2). In animal models neurotoxic reactions and generalized convulsions have been induced by infusion of different penicillins in high doses (1). In previous studies (1,2,3) we could demonstrate in rabbits, that benzylpeni-cillin and several semisynthetic penicillins have quite different effects on the EEG, when given in equimolar doses. Blood levels were determined regularly and a curve was obtained as fig. l shows. The intervals of first appearance of EEG-changes are also indicated.Fig. 2 demonstrates the typical EEG-patterns developing during the penicillin infusion in the conscious rabbit. The changes consisted of monophasic (A), biphasic (B),and triphasic spikes (C). Furthermore spike-wave-complexes (D) and polyspikes (E) could be observed, the latter being accompanied by myoclonic jerks. In fig.3 the typical sequence of EEG-changes during an experiment is shown.