Kynurenine may directly interact with GABA receptors in rat brain

Pharmacology. 1985;30(5):255-8. doi: 10.1159/000138075.

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that kynurenine may have convulsant activity. In the present investigation the intracerebroventricular injection of L- but not D-kynurenine induced convulsions in the rat. In vitro, L- but not D-kynurenine was able to displace 3H-GABA from rat brain membrane preparations. The action was specific for 3H-GABA and was not observed with other ligands. The data suggest that the convulsant activity of L-kynurenine might be due to an interaction with GABA receptors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bicuculline / pharmacology
  • Binding, Competitive / drug effects
  • Brain Chemistry / drug effects*
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Injections, Intraventricular
  • Kynurenine / administration & dosage
  • Kynurenine / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Membranes / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Receptors, GABA-A / drug effects*
  • Seizures / chemically induced
  • Tryptophan / pharmacology

Substances

  • Receptors, GABA-A
  • Kynurenine
  • Tryptophan
  • Bicuculline