THE EFFECT ON GABA METABOLISM IN BRAIN OF ISONICOTINIC ACID HYDRAZIDE AND PYRIDOXINE AS A FUNCTION OF TIME AFTER ADMINISTRATION

—The effect of intramuscularly administered INH on brain levels of GABA in chicks was dependent on the amount injected. A subconvulsant dose of INH (1·1 mmol/kg) produced a slow steady decline in the level of GABA, whereas a convulsant dose (2·19 mmol/kg) brought about a sequential fall and rise in GABA level. This sequence of events reflected changes in the relative activities of GAD and GABA-T brought about by the hydrazide. The administration of pyridoxine together with the INH (2·19 mmol/kg) prevented the onset of seizures and lessened the effect of the INH on GABA levels and GAD activity but not on GABA-T activity. The possibility that a deranged GABA metabolism is responsible for hydrazide-induced seizures is discussed.