Abstract

Gamma-amino-n-butyric acid (GABA) administered in several doses and by several routes, was studied for anticonvulsant activity and ability to alter behavior in mice. In addition, the behavioral effects exerted by certain related compounds were also studied and the results were compared to GABA.

GABA administered by a number of systemic routes and in a number of doses did not induce neurological deficit or exhibit anticonvulsant actions in the mice.

Glycine, β-alanine, GABA and 5-aminovaleric acid induced stimulation followed by depression or loss of righting reflex when administered intracerebrally.

Six-aminocaproic acid and β-aminocaprylic acid elicited tonic extensor seizures upon intracerebral administration.

Certain doses of GABA, administered intracerebrally, protected the animals from clonus induced by pentylenetetrazol or minimal electroshock. If the dose of GABA was increased, either no protection or a decrease in seizure threshold was observed. GABA protected the mice from tonic extensor convulsions and death elicited by pentylenetetrazol but did not alter the tonic seizure patterns induced by supramaximal electroshock or strychnine. The threshold for clonus and tonic extensor seizures induced by caffeine or tonic extensor seizures induced by

ammonium acetate was lowered by intracerebrally administered GABA.