RESUMO
White albino rats were given sodium valproates 400mg / kgm / day for 21 days in males and till 20th day of gestation in females compared to other group of rats didn't receive any drug. The effect of the drug on rats showed significant elevation of GABA concentrations in all tested brain areas and 5HT in cerebral cortex and midbrain, while reduced 5HT in thalamus and hypothalamus. Maternal adminstration of Sodium Valproates induced non Significant change in the number of resorption and live fetuses, as well as number of implantation. Fetuses revealed spina bifida [30%], absence of angle of mandible and ossific centers in upper and lower limbs [15%] and short neck [15%]. Side effects of sodium Valproates such as sedation and weight gain could be attributed to increase of GABA concentration, whereas increased appetite may be due to decreased 5HT in hypothalamus. The anticonvulsant effect of Sodium Valproates could be due to such increase of GABA and to some extent incease of 5HT