GABA in cerebrospinal fluid of children with febrile convulsions.

In 23 children with febrile convulsions the concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was measured by a radioreceptor assay. The mean CSF GABA concentration of 134 (range, 73-294) pmoles/ml was significantly lower than that of 16 seizure-free children serving as controls, who had 210 (range, 117-475) pmoles/ml. The reduction in CSF GABA levels in patients with febrile convulsions was not reflected in plasma GABA concentrations. These data provide further evidence that impairment of GABA neurotransmission may contribute to an increased seizure propensity.