Proconvulsive effect of the GABA(B) receptor antagonist, SCH 50911, in rats undergoing ethanol withdrawal syndrome.

Abstract

The present study investigated the effect of the GABA(B) receptor antagonist, SCH 50911 [(2S)(+)-5,5-dimethyl-2-morpholineacetic acid], on the occurrence of seizures in ethanol-dependent rats undergoing ethanol withdrawal syndrome. The acute administration of nonconvulsive doses of SCH 50911 (0, 100, 170 and 300 mg/kg, i.p.) resulted in a dramatic facilitation of spontaneous seizure occurrence. This finding, together with the reported ability of the GABA(B) receptor agonist, baclofen, to suppress seizures associated to ethanol withdrawal syndrome, suggests that the GABA(B) receptor may be part of the neural substrate underlying the hyperexcitability of ethanol withdrawal syndrome.

• Authors: Mauro A M Carai, Giuliana Brunetti, Carla Lobina, Salvatore Serra, Giovanni Vacca, Giovanna Minardi, Giancarlo Colombo, Gian Luigi Gessa
• Journal: European journal of pharmacology (Eur J Pharmacol) Vol. 445 Issue 3 Pg. 195-9 (Jun 12 2002) ISSN: 0014-2999 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 12079684 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• (+)-(S)-5,5-dimethylmorpholinyl-2-acetic acid
• Convulsants
• GABA Antagonists
• GABA-B Receptor Agonists
• GABA-B Receptor Antagonists
• Morpholines
• Receptors, GABA-B
• Ethanol

Topics

• Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures (chemically induced, physiopathology)
• Animals
• Convulsants (adverse effects)
• Ethanol (adverse effects)
• GABA Antagonists (adverse effects)
• GABA-B Receptor Agonists
• GABA-B Receptor Antagonists
• Male
• Morpholines (adverse effects)
• Rats
• Rats, Wistar
• Receptors, GABA-B (physiology)