Brain Potential Changes in Man Induced by Metrazol.

METRAZOL therapy in schizophrenia was started at the Worcester State Hospital in the summer of 1937. A study of the influence of metrazol on the electroencephalogram was begun at the same time in the hope of throwing some light on the mechanisms underlying this type of therapy. Twenty-eight injections of 10-per cent. metrazol (cardiazol or pentamethylenetetrazol) were given to 11 schizophrenic patients. Brain potentials were recorded, starting about 5 minutes before the injection and continuing in some instances for an hour or so. The recording apparatus was the same as previously described (Rubin, 1938), consisting of two completely independent ink-writing undulators and suitable amplifiers. The electrodes were flattened pellets of lead solder approximately 2 mm. in diameter. The grid leads were fixed on the scalp along the midline over the desired cortical regions ; a reference (earthed) lead was placed behind the ears on the mastoid processes. This technique has, among other things, the advantage of grounding the patient. The administrator of the metrazol was also grounded, so that artifacts resulting from injection of the metrazol and restraining the patient were minimized to a great extent.