Effect of β‐Bungarotoxin on the Release of Endogenous Amino Acids from the Sensorimotor Cortex

Abstract
.beta.-Bungarotoxin, a snake neurotoxin purified from the venom of Bungarus multicinctus, caused a significant increase in the in vivo release of glutamate from the superfused sensorimotor cortex of awake animals [rats]. A smaller effect on GABA release was observed, but no change was detected in the release of 6 other amino acids measured. The effects on glutamate and GABA release were entirely blocked by tetrodotoxin (1 .mu.M) and were reversible when the cortical tissue was washed with saline.