CSF GABA levels in Parkinson's disease
De Jong, P.J.; Lakke, J.P.; Teelken, A.W.
Advances in Neurology 40: 427-430
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0091-3952 PMID: 6695622 Document Number: 226232
CSF levels of GABA were investigated in a group of Parkinson patients without drug treatment and a group of Parkinson patients under treatment with L-DOPA or anticholinergics. Probenecid results in an elevation of CSF GABA levels in healthy persons. The results indicate a significant decrease of GABA levels in CSF in untreated Parkinson patients. Parkinson patients treated with L-DOPA or anticholinergics show nearly normal CSF GABA levels. This may suggest that the altered GABA function in Parkinson's disease is secondary to changes in the dopamine system.