Pharmacological manipulation of GABA system does not protect the goldfish optic tectum from the neuroexcitatory and neurotoxic action of kainic acid.

Inhibition of GABA transaminase which led to a several-fold increase of GABA levels in the goldfish optic tectum or diazepam pre-treatment, were unable to protect tectal neurons from kainic acid neurotoxicity, as judged by light and electron microscopic observations and by the drop of marker enzymes for neurotransmitters. In an in vitro preparation of tectal slices GABA, added to the incubation medium, had no effect on a metabolic parameter (CO2 production from exogenous glucose) related to the excitatory action of kainic acid. It is concluded that, in the goldfish optic tectum, pharmacological manipulation cannot enhance the activity of GABAergic circuits to the extent necessary to block the neuroexcitatory and neurotoxic action of kainic acid.