The effects of vigabatrin on spike and wave discharges in WAG/Rij rats

SummaryThe effects of vigabatrin, which increases GABA concentrations by inhibiting GABA transaminase, on spike and wave discharges (SWDs) in the electroencephalogram of WAG/Rij rats were studied. Vigabatrin increased the incidence and duration of the SWDs, suggesting a quantitative GABAAergic involvement in the mechanism(s) underlying the starting and stopping of an ongoing SWD. Also, vigabatrin decreased the SWD peak frequency, suggesting an important role of GABAB in the mechanism(s) underlying the peak frequency of the SWDs. Vigabatrin gradually changed the course of the hazard rates of the SWD durations, suggesting a qualitative GABAergic role in the mechanism(s) underlying the stopping of an ongoing SWD.