Elevation of gamma-aminobutyrylcholine content in cat cerebral cortex by electrical stimulation of afferent nerves

Abstract— A method for the separation and determination of γ‐aminobutyrylcholine (GABACh) from trichloracetic acid treated brain extracts has been developed. It consists of the separation of the extracts on Dowex 1 × 8 columns, precipitation of the quaternary ammonium bases and their separation by paper chromatography. Using this technique it was found that electrical stimulation for 30 s of one brachial plexus in the cat resulted in 4.6 fold increase in GABACh concentration in the stimulated (contralateral) cerebral cortex as compared to the non‐stimulated (ipsilateral) cortex. This change in GABACh concentration was not reversed within 5 s of cessation of the stimulus. The results are discussed in relation to the possible physiological role of GABACh: (a) as a neurotransmitter; (b) as a substance participating in the inactivation process of GABA. The possible connection of GABACh to the metabolism of GABA and acetylcholine is discussed.