GABA-TRANSAMINASE IN BRAIN AND BLOOD-PLATELETS - BASIC AND CLINICAL ASPECTS

1. Several lines of evidence suggest that the major inhibitory neuro-t ransmitter, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is involved, both directly and indirectly, in the pathogensis of certain neurological, and psychi atric disorders. 2. The main enzyme responsible for GABA catabolism is gamma-aminobutyrate aminotransferase (GABA-T). Inhibition of this enz yme produces a considerable elevation of brain GABA concentrations, an d such elevation has been correlated with many pharmacological effects . 3. There seems to be that, as is discussed below, GABA-T activity in the brain and/or blood platelets is related to some neuro-psychiatric disorders such as alcoholism, epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease. 4. GA BA-T has been identified in the blood platelets with similar character istics to those of brain GABA-T. In this way, studies on GABA-T activi ty in neuro-psychiatric disorders could be performed to understand, di agnosis and treat GABA-related disorders of the central nervous system (CNS).