Protective effects of diazepam and valproate on β-vinyllactic acid-induced seizures

Abstract GABA level and the activity of l -glutamate-1-decarboxylase (GAD) (EC 4.1.1.15) were studied in brains of mice treated with β-vinyllactic acid, a new, selective and pyridoxal phosphate-independent GAD inhibitor. Valproate and diazepam protected mice against convulsions caused by β-vinyllactic acid although both anti-epileptic drugs antagonized neither the decrease in GABA concentrations nor the inhibition of GAD observed after treatment with β-vinyllactic acid alone. Assuming that the anticonvulsant effect measured with both antiepileptics is GABA mediated, these results support the hypothesis of a postsynaptic enhancement of GABAergic transmission by diazepam and valproate.