Release of amino acids from the maturing cobalt-induced epileptic focus.

A study was made of the release of excitatory, inhibitory and other amino acids from epileptic foci induced in the sensorimotor cortex of rats by cobalt implantation. A new in vivo superfusion method was employed which gives free movement to the animals and allows study over periods of days and weeks. Most amino acids showed maximum release rates during the first 2 or 3 days after surgery. Glutamate showed maximum release rates during days 3-6 when epileptic limb jerks were at a maximum. This pattern was not seen for other physiologically active amino acids.