GABA in epilepsy: the pharmacologic basis.

GABA transmission plays a key role in controlling seizure activity. The precise nature of its effect depends on the particular location in the brain and the pathway involved. Animal studies have helped to define specific brain regions such as the substantia nigra and area tempestas that are critical in controlling seizure activity. Antiepileptic drugs such as vigabatrin [gamma vinyl GABA (GVG)], a drug rationally developed to treat resistant epilepsy, can enhance GABA transmission in these regions and may thereby afford seizure protection.