THE INFLUENCE OF TYROSINE, PHENYLPYRUVATE AND VITAMIN B6 UPON SEIZURE THRESHOLDS 1

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Abstract
Abstract— Thresholds to the first appearance of a myoclonic jerk and to the appearance of tonic‐clonic seizures induced by the convulsant, hexafiuorodiethyl ether, were examined in immature rats at sequential time intervals following the administration of L‐tyrosine, L‐phenylalanine, Na‐phenylpyruvate and several forms of vitamin B6. l‐Tyrosine failed to lower either seizure threshold even though plasma and brain levels of tyrosine exceeded those obtained with a dose of phenylalanine that was effective in lowering threshold. Na‐phenylpyruvate lowered both seizure thresholds at a time that correlated with elevation of brain phenylalanine. Pyridoxine hydrochloride, pyridoxal‐5′‐phosphate and pyridoxamine phosphate all lowered both seizure thresholds. The time course and dose dependency of the effects of B6 vitamers were examined; the effect of phenylalanine on seizure threshold was unrelated to derived tyrosine or phenylpyruvate and vitamin B6 was not involved. The enhanced cerebral excitability following administration of B6 vitamers is discussed.