The effect of diphenylhydantoin on self-mutilation in rats produced by unilateral multiple dorsal rhizotomy

摘要: It has been reported that self-mutilation of forelimbs in rats following multiple cervicothoracic dorsal rhizotomy may be dependent on the integrity specific ascending spinal pathways. This behavior arise from central dysfunction rather than as a direct result limb anesthesia. Such hypothesis would supported if after were an aggressive act and it reduced by diphenylhydantoin. Thirty female albino underwent unilateral C5 to T1 randomly assigned treatment with 10, 15, 25, 50 mg/kg diphenylhydantoin intraperitoneally each day. Some animals received drug vehicle alone control, some handled others but not treated. Videotape techniques usd confirm study mutilation process, which appeared passive one. Spinal cord histology was obtained. Diphenylhydantoin shown reduce incidence self 89% (9 animals) 40% (15 when given at doses greater 10 mg/kg/day. The results support possible etiologic role suggest this process involve hyperactive afferent