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Similar Effects on Cerebral Catecholamine Metabolism

Stuart R. Snider, MD; Ray S. Snider, PhD

Arch Neurol. 1977;34(3):162-167.

Abstract
• Phenytoin has been shown to inhibit catecholamine (CA) metabolism in vitro. The present investigation examined its longer-term in vivo effects in rats. Phenytoin 100 mg/kg/day for two weeks, caused an increase in hindbrain norepinephrine (NE) concentration, a slight decrease in forebrain NE concentration, and little change in dopamine (DA) levels. The turnover rates of forebrain DA and NE estimated by synthesis inhibition, were increased by 70% and 100%, respectively. Surgical lesions of the anterior cerebellar vermis produced similar (but not additive) increases in turnover. It is concluded that long-term phenytoin use stimulates CA metabolism in the forebrain and that this effect may be mediated indirectly by the cerebellar vermis.

Author Affiliations
From the Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University (Dr Stuart Snider), New York, and the Center for Brain Research, University of Rochester (Dr Ray Snider), Rochester, NY.

Footnotes
Accepted for publication Oct 12, 1976.

Reprint requests to the Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, 630 W 168th St, New York NY 10032 (Dr S. Snider).

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