GABA in brain tissue of paroxysmal (px) chick

An investigation was made of GABA in whole brain and brain regions of paroxysmal (px) chicks. Whole brain levels of GABA were higher (P less than 0.05) in px chicks than in normal siblings by day 10 post-hatching. GABA in brain areas containing degeneration of auditory and vestibular nuclei and tracts was also found to be higher (P less than 0.05) in px chicks. These data indicate that a dysfunction of the GABA pathway occurs early in the px syndrome, possibly as a causative factor.