An N‐Protected γ‐Aminobutyric Acid Dipeptide with Anticonvulsant Action

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Abstract
N‐Pivaloyl‐leucyl–γ‐aminobutyric acid (PLG) is a synthetic dipeptide with a partition coefficient of 1.67 in an ethyl acetate/water system that partially inhibits the synaptosomal uptake and activates the release of [U‐ 14C]‐γ‐aminobutyric acid ([U‐14C]GABA). The displacement of GAB A from crude synaptic membranes by PLG occurs with an IC50 of 10−5M. The compound has the capacity to cross the blood‐brain barrier and increase central GABA levels. Its ED50 on cardiazol‐induced convulsions is 60‐65 mg/kg. PLG is resistant to hydrolysis by chymotrypsin and partially inhibits the proteolytic activity of trypsin.