Suppression of GABA-induced chloride current by 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-2)

The effect of a convulsive agent, 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-2), on the GABA-induced chloride current (ICl) in dissociated mouse sensory neurons was investigated using the whole cell clamp method. Trp-P-2 reversibly suppressed the GABA-induced ICl in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 for Trp-P-2 on the ICl evoked by 3 microM GABA was 11.1 microM. Ro15-1788 had no effect on the suppressive action of Trp-P-2. These results suggest that the observed effect of Trp-P-2 is mediated by its action as an antagonist at GABAA receptors.