beta-Scorpion toxin induces the release of gamma-3 [H-3]aminobutyric acid in rat brain slices

The effect of the beta -scorpion toxin, TiTX gamma on the release of [H-3]G ABA from rat brain cortical slices is described. The stimulatory effect of TiTX gamma on the release of [H-3]GABA was dependent on incubation time and TiTX gamma concentration with an EC50 of 0.19 muM. The scorpion toxin effe ct was calcium dependent and was completely inhibited by tetrodotoxin. beta -Alanine also induced the release of [H-3]GABA and this effect was not inh ibited by tetrodotoxin but was additive in the presence of TiTX gamma. The data suggest a neuronal origin for the release of [H-3]GABA by TiTX NeuroRe port 12:2911-2913 (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.