The effect of electrical stimulation upon the activity of brain glutamate decarboxilase "in vitro"

Using the cytoplasmic soluble fraction from rat brain as a source of glutamate decarboxilase, its enzymatic activity was induced by electrical stimulation and determined by gas release. Modified Warburg's flasks were used for such determination. The limits of frequency and the use of sinusoidal waves were based on normal cerebral rhythms. At low frequencies, GAD activity is markedly enhanced (1-10 Hz, 2v, 500 muA). Activation of the enzyme may be due to distortion of the tertiary structure promoting thus an increased coupling between the substrate and the enzyme complex.