Neurochemical actions of gabapentin in mouse brain

Leach, J. P., Sills, G. J., Butler, E., Forrest, G., Thompson, G. G. and Brodie, M. J. (1997) Neurochemical actions of gabapentin in mouse brain. Epilepsy Research, 27(3), pp. 175-180. (doi: 10.1016/S0920-1211(97)01034-6) (PMID:9237051)

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Abstract

Gabapentin (GBP) is a recently licenced antiepileptic drug whose mode of action remains to be fully elucidated. The following studies were designed to investigate the effects of GBP on several γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) related neurochemical parameters in mouse brain. GBP (0–75 mg/kg) was administered by intraperitoneal injection either as a single dose or twice daily for 8 days. Animals were sacrificed 4 h after the final administration and their brains removed and analysed for concentrations of GABA, glutamate and glutamine and the activities of GABA-transaminase (GABA-T) and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). Single dose GBP increased brain GABA-T activity and glutamine concentration but was without effect on GAD activity or the concentrations of GABA and glutamate. Following repeated treatment with GBP, brain GABA-T activity was consistently decreased and there was also a decrease in brain glutamate concentration. Repeated drug treatment was without effect on the activity of GAD or on the concentrations of GABA and glutamine. These results suggest that GBP has effects on the GABAergic system which may contribute to its antiepileptic and/or neuroprotective actions.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Brodie, Professor Martin and Butler, Mrs Elaine and Leach, Dr John Paul and Forrest, Mr Gerard and Sills, Dr Graeme
Authors: Leach, J. P., Sills, G. J., Butler, E., Forrest, G., Thompson, G. G., and Brodie, M. J.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:Epilepsy Research
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0920-1211
ISSN (Online):1872-6844
Published Online:28 October 1997

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