Effects of gamma-vinyl-GABA on the human electroencephalogram.
Gamma-vinyl-GABA (GVG) is a new anticonvulsant drug that significantly raises the level of the gamma-aminobutyric acid in the brain (GABA). The effects of gamma-vinyl-GABA on the human electroencephalogram were studied to assess the role of GABAergic mechanisms on electrocortical activity. Serial EEGs were recorded in 15 epileptic patients undergoing a controlled clinical trial of gamma-vinyl-GABA. The effects of gamma-vinyl-GABA on alpha, beta, or theta activity, sleep spindles and epileptiform activity were studied. No changes could be detected in any of the intrinsic brain rhythms. Three patients showed a mild amelioration of epileptiform activity; no increase in epileptiform activity was seen.
D000328:Adult; D000614:Aminocaproates / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000187:drug effects*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000187:drug effects; D020888:Vigabatrin; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000502:physiology*
D000614:Aminocaproates; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D020888:Vigabatrin