Relation of brain GABA to variations in electroseizure threshold during hyperglycemia

ABSTRACT

Moderate hyperglycemia in alloxan-diabetic mice or following i.v. glucose injection in normal mice causes a non-significant elevation in brain GABA and minimal electro-shock seizure threshold [MST]. However severe hyperglycemia seen at 5 min following i.v. glucose in normal mice or at 1 hr after i.v. glucose in alloxan-diabetic mice produced a significant elevation of brain GABA, activity which was reflected in elevation of the MST and therefore a reduction in seizure susceptibility. It is concluded that hyperglycemia tends to elevate brain GABA activity but this becomes statistically significant in severe hyperglycemia. This may explain the reduced susceptibility and severity of seizures in some patients with diabetes mellitus