GBR12909 possesses anticonvulsant activity in zebrafish and rodent models of generalized epilepsy but cardiac ion channel effects limit its clinical utility.

Background/aims: GBR12909 has been reported to possess anticonvulsant activity with focal brain perfusion to the hippocampus of pilocarpine, although an earlier publication suggested any anticonvulsant effects were only mild. Here we further explored the anticonvulsant potential of GBR12909 with a suite of anticonvulsant assays in both zebrafish and mammals and then explored whether it possessed any QT effects which might limit clinical utility.

Methods: We assessed the anticonvulsant effects of GBR12909 in zebrafish pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), mammalian maximal electroshock and PTZ models of generalized epilepsy and a rodent hippocampal kindling model.

Reducing waiting time for substance abuse treatment does not reduce attrition.

Attrition rates from substance abuse treatment are high. In an attempt to cut down on the attrition rate in our clinic we instituted an "Orientation Group" to cut down on the time patients spent waiting to enter treatment. An evaluation of the results of this intervention reveals that contrary to the impressions of the clinical staff, the attrition rate was not reduced.