Elsevier

Experimental Neurology

Volume 62, Issue 3, December 1978, Pages 810-814
Experimental Neurology

Research note
Neurotoxicity of δ-aminolevulinic acid and porphobilinogen

https://doi.org/10.1016/0014-4886(78)90287-XGet rights and content

Abstract

Rats were injected with δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and with porphobilinogen (PBG) into the lateral ventricle of the brain. An ataxia- and catatonia-like state, followed by jumping seizures, occurred dose dependently and without significant differences between ALA and PBG. The relatively high amount required and the clinical observation that seizures are not typically seen in patients with a porphyric attack make these substances not likely causative agents for the porphyric symptomatology.

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The authors thank Irene Bossenmaier, Brett Gemlo, and Harry Draeger for their excellent collaboration.

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