GABA in the inferior colliculus plays a critical role in control of audiogenic seizures

Previous studies have implicated a decreased efficacy of GABA as an important defect subserving the audiogenic seizures of the genetically epilepsy-prone rat (GEPR-9). The inferior colliculus (IC) is a critical site for audiogenic seizure (AGS) initiation, and the pontine reticular formation (PRF) is implicated in the propagation of AGS and in other generalized seizure models. The present study observed that microinjection of baclofen, a GABA-B receptor agonist, into IC protects against AGS, and blockade of the breakdown of endogenous GABA by gabaculine, a GABA transaminase inhibitor, increased GABA levels and blocked AGS susceptibility in the GEPR-9. Microinjection of baclofen or gabaculine into the PRF reduced AGS severity, but the doses required were considerably greater and the degree of anticonvulsant effect was less. Uptake of [3H]GABA into GEPR-9 synaptosomes from the IC is significantly increased as compared to normal, which could contribute to the diminished effectiveness of GABA in the GEPR-9. Previous studies indicate that GABA-A receptor agonists block AGS with IC microinjection, and recent data indicate that blockade of GABA uptake in this nucleus significantly reduced AGS severity. These data taken together strongly support the critical importance of the defect in GABA function in the IC in modulating susceptibility to audiogenic seizure initiation in the GEPR-9.