[Protection of the rat adrenergic system with gamma-hydroxybutyric acid during emotional-painful stress].

The anxiety neurosis decreased the catecholamine concentration in the rat striatum, hypothalamus, adrenal cortex, heart and small intestine. The decrease in noradrenaline concentration during the stress was followed by activation of the synthesis and suppression of the transmitter binding in the heart as well as enhancement of the adreno- and cholino-reactivity in the small intestine. Absence of noradrenaline content changes during stress in the seminal duct was followed by no changes of adreno-reactivity in this organ. Preliminary administration of 75 mg/kg of GABA prevented the above changes during the stress. This defensive action of the GABA seems to be based on limiting the activation of sympathetic-adrenal system and decrease of the respective transmitter release.