CLASSIFICATION OF DRUGS BASED ON VISUALLY EVOKED-RESPONSES IN RATS

Quantified parameters of photically evoked afterdischarge and EEG back ground activity of visual cortex of freely moving rats were used as va riables to obtain a t profile for each drug dosage. Behavioural scores were also used. The determination of the dose/time-effect profile of a compound was based on normalization of data and on calculation of th e first two factor values in comparison with pooled data of representa tives of neuroleptic, anxiolytic, convulsant, petit mal anticonvulsant , antidepressant and psychostimulant drug classes. The compounds were investigated in different dosages and/or routes of administration. The model and procedure are validated for antipsychotic, anxiolytic and v igilance enhancer effect, and comprise the predictability of proconvul sive and petit mal anticonvulsive effects.