Action of Progabide in the Photosensitive Baboon, Papio papio

Abstract

Progabide is a GABA agonist which is nontoxic and crosses the blood-brain barrier. Progabide was tested in naturally and allylglycine-induced photosensitive baboons (P. papio). I.v. injection of various doses (30-100 mg/kg) of progabide induced a protective effect against intermittent light stimulation (25 Hz) in both test situations. This protection lasted 10-120 min. This duration was dose-dependent and was generally shorter in allylglycine-treated than in naturally photosensitive baboons. At all doses, progabide reinforced rhythmic activities in the frontorolandic and occipital regions. At doses > 50 mg/kg, progabide produced a mild sedation with somnolence and myorelaxation, all effects which could be reversed by sensory stimulation. These data confirm the anticonvulsant properties of progabide in another animal model.