The effect of diphenylhydantoin, sodium valproate and carbamezepine on the enzymatic activity of the anterior mesencephalic periaqueductal grey matter was examined by a histochemical technique using density phase measurement. Diphenylhydantoin caused the greatest reduction in glutamate dehydrogenase and GABA. Only sodium valproate increased glutamate dehydrogenase and GABA and only diphenylhydantoin an increase in semi-aldehyde dehydrogenase activity. Central pain suppressive systems can be activated by certain anticonvulsants.