Effects of Fatty Acid Anions on the Electroencephalogram of Unanesthetized Rabbits

¹ From the Thudichum Psychiatric Research Laboratory of the Galesburg State Research Hospital, Galesburg, Illinois, and the Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas

The i.v. injection of 4 mm/kg of buffered fatty acid anions of propionate, butyrate, valerate and caproate evoked electroencephalographic (slow high amplitude waves) and behavioral signs of sleep. The long chain fatty acid compounds were more effective than the short. On the other hand, comparable solutions of glucose, NaCl, lactate, acetone and Beta-hydroxybutyrate had no such effect. The evidence indicates that the fatty acid anion effect is mediated through the central nervous system and is not a secondary result of changes in cardiovascular physiology. CNS stimulation with amphetamine sulfate does not alter the depressant effect of the fatty acid anions.

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