title: Effects of valproic acid in cultured mammalian neurons.
abstract: Valproic acid (VPA) has been postulated to exert its anticonvulsant effects by interaction with the postsynaptic GABA receptor. To test that hypothesis, we applied VPA in clinically appropriate concentrations to cortical neurons in dissociated cell culture. VPA did not enhance the postsynaptic effect of GABA, but did decrease the generation of sodium-dependent action potentials. VPA may exert anticonvulsant effects by inhibiting spike generation, independent of the GABAergic system.
mesh_terms: D000200:Action Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004594:Electrophysiology; D005260:Female; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects*; D011247:Pregnancy; D051381:Rats; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A / Q000187:drug effects; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D011963:Receptors, GABA-A; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D014635:Valproic Acid