Beta-scorpion toxin induces the release of gamma-[3 H]aminobutyric acid in rat brain slices.

The effect of the beta-scorpion toxin, TiTX gamma on the release of [3H]GABA from rat brain cortical slices is described. The stimulatory effect of TiTX gamma on the release of [3H]GABA was dependent on incubation time and TiTX gamma concentration with an EC50 of 0.19 microM. The scorpion toxin effect was calcium dependent and was completely inhibited by tetrodotoxin. beta-Alanine also induced the release of [3H]GABA and this effect was not inhibited by tetrodotoxin but was additive in the presence of TiTX gamma. The data suggest a neuronal origin for the release of [3H]GABA by TiTX gamma.