Inhibition of [3H]GABA binding to postsynaptic receptors in human cerebellar synaptic membranes by carboxyl and amino derivatives of GABA

Abstract

Fifty synthetic analogues of GABA were tested for their ability ot interact with GABA receptors, using [3H]GABA binding to human cerebellar membranes as an in vitro model. The most active compounds were found to be aliphatic and heterocyclic aminosulphonic acids. Compounds with highly substituted nitrogen atoms were only weakly active unless a long alkyl chain, which can interact with the postsynaptic membrane, was present. It was concluded that a pyramidal nitrogen atom is favoured fro binding of GABA analogues to human cerebellar membranes.