The effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid on the content and metabolism of acetylcholine in the rat striatum.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.6 mg/rat, ivc, increased the level of acetylcholine (ACh) in the striatum, and in doses 0.2-1.6 mg/rat ivc, accelerated synthesis of ACh. The former effect commenced 5 min. after the injection, reached its peak 15 min. and declined after 30 min. The ACh synthesis increased 15 and 30 min. after the injection and declined after 60 and 120 min. Gamma-aminobutyric acid increased the activity of choline acetyltransferase but did not affect activity of choline esterase.