Keane P E, Simiand J, Mendes E, Santucci V, Morre M
Neuropharmacology. 1983 Jul;22(7):875-9. doi: 10.1016/0028-3908(83)90134-x.
The effect of valproic acid and 10 close analogues (7 branched and 3 non-branched) were studied on the content of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in brain and on seizures induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) in mice. All 8 branched fatty acids protected against seizures induced by pentylenetetrazol, but the 3 non-branched acids were inactive. A significant correlation was observed between side-chain length and anticonvulsant potency. However, sedative and toxic phenomena became apparent with longer chain lengths. The 3 non-branched fatty acids did not alter levels of GABA in brain, but there was a significant correlation between anticonvulsant activity and increased brain GABA levels, for the 8 branched fatty acids. Despite this correlation, one branched analogue, 2-ethylbutyric acid, possessed anticonvulsant activity but did not increase the content of GABA in brain.
