Chronic administration of the GABA-transaminase inhibitor ethanolamine O-sulphate leads to up-regulation of GABA binding sites.

In rats receiving the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-transaminase inhibitor ethanolamine O-sulphate (EOS) in their drinking water for up to 28 days, the number of GABAA and GABAB binding sites was increased compared to controls. There was no change in binding affinity at GABAA or GABAB sites. One week after EOS withdrawal, the number of GABAA and GABAAB sites in previously treated EOS rats did not differ from controls. There was no difference in the number or affinity of benzodiazepine binding sites between EOS-treated and control rats during EOS administration or withdrawal. There was no difference in the stimulation of benzodiazepine binding by GABA (alone or in the presence of NaCl) during EOS administration. Cortical and cerebellar GABA concentration was increased 3.2- to 4.6-fold and cortical glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) activity reduced 30-42%. The current required to induce electroshock convulsions did not differ between EOS-treated rats and control rats during EOS administration. We speculate that the stimulus for the increased number of GABAA and GABAB binding sites is a reduction in GABA release subsequent to a reduction in GAD activity.