Premium
γ‐Aminobutyric Acid Metabolism and Behavioral Effects After Intraventricular Injection of Spermine in Chicks
Author(s) -
Giorgio R. M.,
Luca G.,
Nisticò G.,
Ientile R.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
journal of neurochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.75
H-Index - 229
eISSN - 1471-4159
pISSN - 0022-3042
DOI - 10.1111/j.1471-4159.1985.tb04054.x
Subject(s) - diencephalon , brainstem , glutamate decarboxylase , endocrinology , spermine , gabaergic , medicine , metabolism , aminobutyric acid , chemistry , glutamate receptor , endogeny , biology , neuroscience , biochemistry , central nervous system , inhibitory postsynaptic potential , enzyme , receptor
Effects of intraventricularly injected spermine on behavior and electrocortical activity and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) metabolism after a single dose of 1.13 μmol/animal were studied. Decrease in locomotor activity, sedation or sleep, and electrocortical synchronization that lasted approximately 2 h were observed. In addition spermine caused a significant increase in GABA content in diencephalon and brainstem, 30 min after administration. Concomitantly a significant increase of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) activity was observed in cerebral hemispheres, diencephalon, and brainstem. Reduction in γ‐aminobutyrate:α‐oxoglutarate aminotransferase (GABA‐T) levels occurred in the diencephalon along with a significant increase of GABA‐T in the brainstem. The present results demonstrate that spermine has the capacity to affect GABA metabolism and are in favor of the suggestion that endogenous polyamines may modulate GABAergic mechanisms.