Proconvulsant effects in baboons of beta-carboline, a putative endogenous ligand for benzodiazepine receptors.

Abstract

beta-Carboline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (beta-CCE) was tested on two models of epilepsy in the baboon: kainic acid-induced limbic status epilepticus and photosensitive epilepsy. Beta-CCE, at very low doses ranging from 8 to 100 microgram/kg (i.v.), induced a reactivation of the limbic focus and photomyoclonic and generalized seizures in photosensitive and non-photosensitive baboons. The proconvulsant effect of beta-CCE may be associated with its binding to a particular subclass of benzodiazepine receptors.

• Authors: C Cepeda, T Tanaka, R Besselièvre, P Potier, R Naquet, J Rossier
• Journal: Neuroscience letters (Neurosci Lett) Vol. 24 Issue 1 Pg. 53-7 (Jun 12 1981) ISSN: 0304-3940 [Print] Ireland
• PMID: 6267525 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Carbolines
• Indoles
• Ligands
• Receptors, Drug
• Receptors, GABA-A
• Benzodiazepines
• beta-carboline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester
• Kainic Acid

Topics

• Amygdala (drug effects, physiopathology)
• Animals
• Benzodiazepines (metabolism)
• Carbolines (pharmacology)
• Indoles (pharmacology)
• Kainic Acid
• Ligands
• Light
• Papio
• Receptors, Drug (drug effects, metabolism)
• Receptors, GABA-A
• Seizures (chemically induced, physiopathology)