PGD₂ effects on rodent behavior and EEG patterns in cats

Prostaglandin (PG) D₂ was studied to determine the pharmacological effects of this PG on the central nervous system. PGD₂ (0.45-4.05 mg/kg) decreased spontaneous locomotor activity in rats by as much as 66% of control, however, the neuromuscular coordination of mice, treated at the same doses of PGD₂, was not impaired. PGD₂ (0.05-4.05 mg/kg) also increased pentobarbital sleeping time in mice from 42% to 238% of control, in a dose-related manner. PGD₂ did not prevent convulsions induced in response to electroshock or pentylenetetrazol. Cats monitored for EEG responses to PGD₂ infusion displayed variable sensitivity to different doses (16-3000 μg) of drug, however, the characteristics response to PGD₂ was the conversion from a uniform low voltage, fast wave pattern to high voltage, show waves. Cats administered PGD₂ were sedated and sometimes catatonic, and displayed brief periods of hypotension, bradycardia, diarrhea, analgesia and hyperthermia at higher doses of the drug. Thus, PGD₂ possesses sedative properties in rodents and cats and may have a role in the central nervous system.