Valproic acid sodium salt

Valproic acid sodium salt (Sodium valproate) is a potent inhibitor of histone deacetylase (HDAC) in vitro (IC50 = 400 μM for HDAC1) which is reported to enhance central GABAergic neurotransmission and inhibit Na+ channels. Sodium valproate (VPA) can inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells by inducing G0/G1 phase arrest and cell apoptosis. Valproic Acid significantly lowers serum concentrations of olanzapine-an interaction effect comparable with smoking. Similarly, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) levels were time-dependently up-regulated by Valproic acid in the cortex and striatum of both ipsilateral and contralateral sides of MCAO rats and in these brain areas of normal rats. Sodium valproate (VPA) is neuroprotective in the cerebral ischemia model and suggest that the protection mechanisms may involve HDAC inhibition and HSP induction.