Antagonism of phencyclidine-induced hyperactivity in mice by elevated brain GABA concentrations

Vigabatrin and (S)-4-allenylGABA (MDL 72483), two anticonvulsant GABA-T inhibitors, partially antagonize phencyclidine (PCP)-induced hyperactivity in mice at doses that do not affect spontaneous motor activity. The PCP antagonism is related to whole-brain GABA concentrations. The results indicate the potential use of GABA-T inhibitors in the therapy of PCP intoxications and perhaps also in the treatment of certain forms of endogenous psychoses.