Effects of GABA-transporter (GAT) inhibitors on rat behaviour in open-field and elevated plus-maze

The behavioural consequences of inhibition of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA ) uptake were studied. Two GABA uptake inhibitors, tiagabine and SKF 89976- A, were administered to rats, and behaviour was analysed 30 min later in a standard open field, an enriched open field, and an elevated plus-maze. Eig ht groups of animals received either saline (0.9%), tiagabine, or SKF 89976 -A. At a dose of 18.5 mg/kg, tiagabine, an established antiseizure drug, im paired motor coordination, enhanced exploratory activity and reduced anxiet y related behaviour. SKF 89976-A exhibited minimal effects over the dose ra nge tested. These results indicate that inhibition of GABA uptake might be a pharmacological strategy to treat not only epilepsy, but also anxiety dis orders. (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.