[Effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid on the development of catatonia-like states in mice].

Catatony-like states including periods of tonic immobility and locomotor paroxysms were induced in mice by a single pinch at the scruff of the neck. GABA-positive drugs (aminooxyacetic acid 20 mg/kg, muscimol 0.5 mg/kg) increased the duration of periods of immobility as compared with control. GABA-negative drugs (thiosemicarbazide 5 mg/kg, bicuculline 3 mg/kg in combination with aminooxyacetic acid) increased only the number and duration of locomotor paroxysms.