title: Alteration of GABA metabolism in mammalian brain by l-alpha-amino-beta-chloropropionic acid hydroxamide and related compounds.
abstract: The administration of L-alpha-amino-beta-chloropropionic acid hydroxamide (L-ACPH) to mice brought about an inhibition in GABA-T activity in the brain of the animals, a significant inhibition occurring with dosage levels as low as 0.25 mmol/kg. Minimum levels of GABA-T activity were reached 3 h after administration of the drug. Brain glutamic acid decarboxylase, DOPA decarboxylase and aspartate aminotransferase activities were not altered by the L-ACPH but alanine aminotransferase activity was totally inhibited. Slight changes in structure caused great changes in the potency of the drugs. For example, the elongation of the L-ACPH structure by one carbon, or a change in the configuration of the amino group from L- to D-, caused a significant decrease in GABA inhibition. The chloro and hydroxamide groups were necessary for inhibitory activity. The administration of L-ACPH to mice delayed the onset of drug induced seizures but had a less noticeable effect against maximal electroshock. The addition of L-ACPH to crude extracts from brain, or to preparations of semipurified GABA-T, also inhibited GABA-T activity. Again the development of the inhibition was time-dependent. Possible mechanisms of action with respect to L-ACPH induced inhibition of GABA-T activity are discussed in the light of the data presented.
mesh_terms: D000612:4-Aminobutyrate Transaminase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D000409:Alanine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D011732:Pyridoxal Phosphate / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D011732:Pyridoxal Phosphate; D000612:4-Aminobutyrate Transaminase; D000409:Alanine