Effect of gamma-aminobutyric and gamma-hydroxybutyric acids on the arousal of susliks from hibernation
Popova, N.K.; Ostrovskaia, R.U.
Biulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny 97(6): 720-722
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0365-9615 PMID: 6430364 Document Number: 235457
Experiments on male red-cheeked sousliks were made to examine the effects of substances interfering with different stages of GABA shunt on the animals' awakening assessed from the times of formation of the orthostatic reflex, the time course of rectal temperature, and the moment of the occurrence of active movements. The substances reducing (thiosemicarbazide) GABA content and elevating it (amino-oxyacetic acid) in the cerebral tissue have no effect on the above-indicated parameters of awakening. Meanwhile, p-dipropyl acetate (depakin) provokes a distinct dose-dependent increase in the time required for the recovery of the orthostatic reflex and transition to an active state. Sodium gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHBA) produces an analogous but more pronounced action. Both the drugs exhibit this effect when given even in low doses, in which they do not inhibit the thermogenesis. This evidence combined with the reported data on high GHBA concentration in brown fat suggests that GHBA may play a specific role in the mechanisms of hibernation.