Effects of change in dietary folic acid content on pentylenetetrazol seizure threshold in rat.

Pentylenetetrazol (PT) eeg thresholds were measured in rats on a folic acid (FA) deficient diet, normal diet, and a diet supplemented with large amounts of folic acid. The intraperitoneal dose per kilogram body weight of PT is significantly higher in the FA deficient group and significantly lower in the FA supplemented group than in rats on a normal diet. This indicates an effect of FA metabolism on PT epilepsy. The Lactobacillus casei minus Streptococcus faecalis activity of the brain is decreased in the FA deficient and increased in the FA supplemented group. The relation between brain folate metabolism and epilepsy is discussed.