Antiulcer activity of N-phthaloyl GABA--a new GABA mimetic agent.

N-phthaloyl GABA (P. GABA) inhibited gastric ulceration induced by 3 hr restraint stress at 4 degrees C (CRS) in albino rats. Antiulcer activity of P. GABA was compared with sodium valproate and cimetidine. P. GABA, sodium valproate and cimetidine showed a dose dependent reduction of gastric ulceration. Pretreatment with GABA antagonists-bicuculline methiodide (0.5 mg/kg, im) or 3 mercaptopropionic acid (2 mg/kg, im) reversed the antiulcerogenic activity of both the drugs (P. GABA and sodium valproate). GABA antagonists as such did not induce gastric ulceration in normal rats.