Protective effects of diazepam and valproate on beta-vinyllactic acid-induced seizures.

Abstract

GABA level and the activity of L-glutamate-1-decarboxylase (GAD) (EC 4.1.1.15) were studied in brains of mice treated with beta-vinyllactic acid, a new, selective and pyridoxal phosphate-independent GAD inhibitor. Valproate and diazepam protected mice against convulsions caused by beta-vinyllactic acid although both anti-epileptic drugs antagonized neither the decrease in GABA concentrations nor the inhibition of GAD observed after treatment with beta-vinyllactic acid alone. Assuming that the anticonvulsant effect measured with both antiepileptics is GABA mediated, these results support the hypothesis of a postsynaptic enhancement of GABAergic transmission by diazepam and valproate.

• Authors: R Bernasconi, W Bencze, K Hauser, M Klein, P Martin, M Schmutz
• Journal: Neuroscience letters (Neurosci Lett) Vol. 47 Issue 3 Pg. 339-44 (Jun 29 1984) ISSN: 0304-3940 [Print] Ireland
• PMID: 6089054 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Convulsants
• Lactates
• gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
• Valproic Acid
• beta-vinyllactic acid
• Glutamate Decarboxylase
• Diazepam

Topics

• Animals
• Brain (drug effects)
• Convulsants (antagonists & inhibitors, toxicity)
• Diazepam (pharmacology)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Glutamate Decarboxylase (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Lactates (antagonists & inhibitors, toxicity)
• Male
• Mice
• Seizures (chemically induced)
• Synaptic Transmission (drug effects)
• Valproic Acid (pharmacology)
• gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (metabolism)