HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Correspondence: Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when Correspondence are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Buchhalter, J. R. Articles by Dichter, M. A. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Buchhalter, J. R. Articles by Dichter, M. A.

Effects of valproic acid in cultured mammalian neurons

Departments of Neurology and Neurosciences (Drs. Buchhalter and Dichter), Children's Hospital Medical Center, and Beth Israel Hospital (Dr. Dichter), Boston, MA.

Valproic acid (VPA) has been postulated to exert its anticonvulsant effects by interaction with the postsynaptic GABA receptor. To test that hypothesis, we applied VPA in clinically appropriate concentrations to cortical neurons in dissociated cell culture. VPA did not enhance the postsynaptic effect of GABA, but did decrease the generation of sodium-dependent action potentials. VPA may exert anticonvulsant effects by inhibiting spike generation, independent of the GABAergic system.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Buchhalter, Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Medical Center, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115.

Supported in part by grants NS07540–02 (J.R.B.) and NS20823 (M.A.D.) from the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke.

Accepted for publication June 4, 1985.