Anti-seizure and anti-epileptogenic effect of gamma-vinyl gamma-aminobutyric acid in amygdaloid kindling.

We examined the effects of systemic administration of gamma-vinyl gamma-aminobutyric acid (GVG), a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transaminase inhibitor, on the kindling model of epilepsy in rats. GVG (1200 or 1500 mg/kg) approximately doubled the number of stimulations required for kindling development. GVG also suppressed both generalized motor seizures and electrographic after discharges in previously fully kindled animals. These results further support the idea that enhanced GABAergic neurotransmission suppresses both seizures and epileptogenesis. The results also suggest that GVG may be an effective anti-seizure and anti-epileptogenic agent in humans.