Citation

Joachim H, Hochreuther J. Blutalkohol 1977; 14(1): 19-46.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1977, International Committee on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety and Bund gegen Alkohol und Drogen im Straßenverkehr, Publisher Steintor Verlag)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Double blind studies had been carried out with 30 male students to investigate the influence of about 0.8 g(per mille) ethanol and 50 mg Fenetyllin (Captagon) and the combined effect of both these substance on the patellar reflex (PSR) and the labyrinthine sense after oral application. The threshold for mechanical stimulus of the PSR was estimated by a specially devised 'Winkelreflexgerat', while reflectory muscular reactions were registered by a cathode ray oscilloscope. The labyrinthine sense was checked by investigating standing steadiness in Romberg position on a wobble board (Sphallograph). The mechanical threshold of the PSR is elevated by ethanol for about 22%. This effects is reduced to only 13% after premedication of Captagon. Captagon for itself reduces the threshold as well as the latent period of the reflex slightly. The prolonging effect of ethanol on the latent period is nearly completely repaired by Captagon. The duration of muscle action potentials of the M. quadriceps is not influenced by Captagon, while the prolonging effect of ethanol of about 11% is slightly reduced to 6% after simultaneous application of Captagon and ethanol. The amplitude of the muscle potentials, amounting slightly above normal values for about 2% after application of Captagon as a result of more synchronic muscular reaction, is not affected at all after simultaneous application of Captagon and ethanol. Due to Captagon the standing steadiness improves too while normal reactions as well are not affected by ethanol, when Captagon was given before. The central and peripheral nervous mechanism underlying these results were discussed. A really restoring or defensive effect of Captagon to the changes of nervous functions due to ethanol has to be considered.