Sentence:  On the other hand , the temporary reduction in hypothalamic excitability through the injection of a barbiturate into the posterior hypothalamus causes a lessening in frequency and amplitude of cortical <WSD>strychnine</WSD> spikes until the hypothalamic excitability is restored . 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  an alkaloid plant toxin extracted chiefly from nux vomica; formerly used as a stimulant