Study of the effects of oral administration of CDP-choline on EEG changes and lethality induced by epidural compression in the anaesthetised cat.

The effects of repeated oral administration of cytidine diphosphate choline (CDP-choline, citicoline, Somazina) and vehicle on the EEG changes induced by epidural brain compression have been studied in the anaesthetised cat. The effects on arterial pressure and heart rate were also monitored. CDP-Choline-treated cats exhibited a statistically significant increase in resistance to the effects of mechanical compression of the brain when compared with the vehicle-treated group. In addition the onset of abnormal EEG waveforms occurred at greater levels of brain compression in drug-treated cats. CDP-Choline also imparted protection against the cardiovascular and respiratory effects of brain compression; animals were apparently less susceptible to cardiac and respiratory failure under the influence of the test compound. A statistically significant protection against the lethal effects of epidural compression was also noted in CDP-choline treated cats. It may be concluded that repeated oral treatment with CDP-Choline provides an apparent protection against the effects of acute mechanical compression of the brain.