Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kir2.3

Title: Evidence for an involvement of GABA receptors in the mediation of the proconvulsant action of ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate.

Authors: A Concas, M Serra, M Salis, V Nurchi, G Crisponi, G Biggio

Journal, date & volume: Neuropharmacology, 1984 Mar , 23, 323-6

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6328349

Abstract
The kinetic characteristics of binding of [3H]-GABA and the pattern of isoniazid-induced convulsions were studied in rats treated with repeated intraventricular injections of ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (beta-CCE) (10 micrograms/rat, twice daily for 8 days). Thirty-six hours after the last injection, the total number of binding sites for [3H]-GABA was decreased (25%) in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in the dissociation constant (KD) between beta-CCE and solvent-treated rats. The decrease in binding sites for [3H]-GABA was paralleled by a strong potentiation of the convulsant pattern elicited by isoniazid. The results suggest that the proconvulsant effect elicited by beta-CCE is mediated by the decrease in the total number of binding sites for GABA, secondary to the interaction between beta-CCE and the benzodiazepine receptor coupled to the GABA receptor.