Adenosine deaminase in convulsions along with its regional, cellular and synaptosomal distribution in rat brain

Adenosine deaminase activity was determined in enriched neuronal, glial and synaptosomal fractions in three regions of rat brain. It was found to be equally distributed in cortical neurons and synaptosomes. Appreciable activity was observed in glial cells. A significant increase in the activity of this enzyme was observed in three brain regions in rats subjected to leptazol convulsions. No significant change, however, was found in the pre- or post-convulsive periods. These results are discussed in relation to the possible degradation of adenosine, a neuroinhibitory substance and to the possible production of inosine, an initiator of seizure activity in low amounts and depressor of the same in high amounts.