Anticonvulsant action of intranigral gamma-vinyl-GABA: role of nonadrenergic neurotransmission

Brain Res. 1988 Jan 12;438(1-2):391-4. doi: 10.1016/0006-8993(88)91370-4.

Abstract

Intranigral gamma-vinyl-GABA (GVG) suppresses electroshock seizures (ES). This anticonvulsant action was blocked by systemic treatment with the alpha 2-antagonist idazoxan. Consequently, we tested the idea that intranigral GABA mimetics suppress ES by increasing noradrenergic (NE) neuronal activity. Contrary to our hypothesis, GVG decreased NE turnover. This result indicates that while the seizure-suppressant effect of intranigral GVG requires alpha 2-mediated NE neurotransmission, the mechanism of this anticonvulsant action is not by increasing NE neuronal activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aminocaproates / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Anticonvulsants / pharmacology*
  • Dihydroxyphenylalanine / metabolism
  • Dioxanes / pharmacology*
  • Dioxins / pharmacology*
  • Idazoxan
  • Muscimol / pharmacology
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha / drug effects
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha / physiology*
  • Seizures / physiopathology*
  • Spinal Cord / drug effects
  • Spinal Cord / metabolism
  • Substantia Nigra / drug effects
  • Substantia Nigra / metabolism
  • Substantia Nigra / physiopathology*
  • Vigabatrin

Substances

  • Aminocaproates
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Dioxanes
  • Dioxins
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha
  • Muscimol
  • Dihydroxyphenylalanine
  • Vigabatrin
  • Idazoxan