From: Rafal Smigrodzki (rafal@smigrodzki.org)
Date: Mon May 05 2003 - 10:35:58 MDT
Anders wrote:
I think I have seen it in GNC stores when I last visited
> the US. Unfortunately (or fortunately) GABA does not pass the
> blood-brain barrier, so you need to take some agonist that does.
> However, I wouldn't recommend it - unspecific increases of inhibition
> have depressing effects.
### The problem is that GABA has very widespread functions in the brain, so
it is difficult to target just the circuits which need enhancement. The
current drugs acting on GABA receptors or enhancing GABA indirectly, like
benzodiazepines, Baclofen, Topiramate, Ambien, zaleplon, all have sedative
effects. I am not aware of any studies showing long-term protection from
neural loss with any of these drugs either, so there is so far no reason,
either short- or long-term, to consider using them for neuroprotection, or,
obviously, cognitive enhancement.
The idea of selective GABA enhancement is interesting, however. Glutamate
antagonists do have some neuroprotective effects, so it's conceivable that
pushing the GABA/glutamate balance towards GABA with some selective GABA
agonists could help. Definitely worth investigating.
Rafal
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