Elevation of gamma-aminobutyric acid in human brain may increase dopaminergic neuronal function

Studies in experimental animals have yielded conflicting findings as to the influence of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on the activity of nigrostriatal and mesolimbic dopaminergic neurons. We measured cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of GABA and homovanillic acid (HVA) in 19 patients before and during treatment with isoniazid. CSF GABA concentrations increased markedly during isoniazid administration, presumably reflecting increases in brain GABA content. At the same time, HVA concentrations in CSF rose significantly. The net effect of elevating brain GABA content in humans appears to be to increase dopamine release from dopaminergic neurons.