Blockade of epileptic responses in the photosensitive baboon, Papio papio, by two irreversible inhibitors of GABA-transaminase, gamma-acetylenic GABA (4-amino-hex-5-ynoic acid) and gamma-vinyl GABA (4-amino-hex-5-enoic acid)

Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1978 Sep 15;59(1):47-50. doi: 10.1007/BF00428029.

Abstract

The anticonvulsant potency and neurological toxicity of two new catalytic inhibitors of GABA-transaminase have been assessed in acute experiments in baboons with a natural syndrome of photic epilepsy. gamma-Acetylenic GABA, 160--200 mg/kg, or gamma-vinyl GABA, 450--950 mg/kg, intravenously, gave complete protection against generalised myoclonus or seizure responses induced by photic stimulation (in baboons without or with priming with subconvulsant doses of allylglycine). The protection became maximal 1--3 h after injection, and continued for 7--24 h. Signs characteristic of the acute toxicity of anticonvulsant drugs (nystagmus and ataxia) were not seen. The potential use of these compounds in human epilepsy deserves investigation.

MeSH terms

  • 4-Aminobutyrate Transaminase / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Animals
  • Anticonvulsants*
  • Behavior, Animal / drug effects
  • Electroencephalography
  • Female
  • Haplorhini
  • Motor Activity / drug effects
  • Papio
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Seizures / physiopathology
  • Transaminases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / pharmacology

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • Transaminases
  • 4-Aminobutyrate Transaminase