Effects of Anticonvulsants on the Formation of γ‐Hydroxybutyrate from γ‐Aminobutyrate in Rat Brain

Abstract
The conversion of γ‐aminobutyrate (GABA) via succinic semialdehyde to γ‐hydroxybutyrate has been examined in rat brain homogenates. A number of anticonvulsants, including sodium valproate and phenobarbitone, inhibited this metabolic pathway. These results are interpreted in the light of the characteristics of aldehyde reductases known to reduce succinic semialdehyde.