The influence of GABAergic drugs on PGO activity in the cat

The effects of drugs modifying GABAergic neurotransmission have been examined on ponto-geniculo-occipital (PGO) waves induced in the encéphale isolé cat by reserpine (PGOres), Ro4-1284 (PGO1284) or PCPA (PGOPCPA). The GABA agonists muscimol and THIP both caused large increases in density of PGOPCPA. The PGO1284 and PGOres were less affected although, of these, a larger increase in PGO1284 density was recorded. None of the increases could be reversed by subsequent injection of bicuculline. Chlordiazepoxide brought about large increases in PGOPCPA density but was ineffective in altering PGOres or PGO1284. The GABA transaminase inhibitor gamma-acetylenic GABA increased the density of all PGO waves but was not effective in the case of PGOPCPA. These results confirm a role for GABA in modulating PGO activity. The pathways involved in this GABA modulation are discussed.