Evidence for neurotransmitter abnormalities related to seizure activity in the epileptic baboon.

The experimental evidence that indicates that alterations in neurotransmitter activity exacerbate or diminish seizure responses to intermittent light stimulation in the Papio papio model of epilepsy is reviewed. Studies of the effects of drugs known to modify the synthesis, storage release, or activity of known or putative neurotransmitters are included. Catecholamines, to a lesser extent the indolamine, serotonin, and the inhibitory transmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid all alter seizures as do less well understood intrinsic hormones and pentapeptides. The anticonvulsant profile of the model is briefly reviewed. It is concluded that there is as yet no concrete evidence of an intrinsic deficit in any of the neurotransmitters to which the genetic photosensitivity of this model can be attributed.