The action of glycine on rat epileptic foci.

The action of glycine (Gly) intravenously injected on rat epileptic foci induced by strychnine or penicillin topically applied, was compared with that of GABA. Gly (450 mg/kg i.v.) produced a complete block of the spiking activity. The inhibitory action of GABA (80 mg/kg), in terms of threshold and duration, was stronger than the action of Gly. The same inhibitory effect was also observed if these amino acids were applied topically or intracisternally. These results are consistent with the possibility that Gly has a role in the rat cortical inhibition.