Citrate synthase and lactate dehydrogenase activities in rat cerebral cortex following the administration of the convulsants bicuculline and 3-mercaptopropionic acid.

Systemic administration of bicuculline (Bic) and 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MP) induces generalized seizure in laboratory animals. The effect of these convulsants on lactate dehydrogenase and citrate synthase activities in rat cerebral cortex was studied. Bic was administered i.p. at 1.0 mg/kg (subconvulsant dose) and 7.5 mg/kg (convulsant dose). MP was administered i.p. at 150 mg/kg (convulsant dose). Lactate dehydrogenase activity in cerebral cortex soluble and particulated fractions was not modified by the administration of Bic or MP. Citrate synthase activity in cerebral cortex homogenates increased about 40% by the administration of subconvulsant and convulsant doses of Bic. A similar increase was found after the injection of MP. No changes in the liver enzyme activity were found, suggesting tissue specificity. The finding of a higher activity of citrate synthase in cerebral cortex homogenates observed with the convulsants may be correlated with the increase in brain citrate levels reported in seizure states.