TURNOVER RATE OF GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID IN NUCLEI OF TELENCEPHALON - IMPLICATIONS IN PHARMACOLOGY OF ANTIPSYCHOTICS AND OF A MINOR TRANQUILIZER

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 12  (3) , 359-371
Abstract
The turnover rate of GABA [.gamma.-aminobutyric acid] was measured in substantia nigra, globus pallidus, N. [nucleus] accumbens and striatum of rats injected with muscimol, a potent GABA agonist, and diazepam. Similarity of action of the 2 drugs on GABA turnover supported the theory that diazepam acts as a GABA-mimetic drug. Haloperidol and clozapine affected GABA turnover differently in different nuclei. Haloperidol decreased GABA turnover in caudate but did not affect that in substantia nigra; clozapine increased GABA turnover in both areas. Both drugs accelerated GABA turnover in globus pallidus and N. accumbens. An increase of GABA turnover and perhaps of GABA release in striatum and substantia nigra may account for lack of tardive dyskinesia and extrapyramidal side-effects of clozapine.