Age-related changes of gamma-aminobutyric acid transaminase immunoreactivity in the hippocampus and dentate gyrus of the Mongolian gerbil

Brain Res. 2004 Aug 13;1017(1-2):77-84. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2004.05.022.

Abstract

We investigated the age-related changes of gamma-aminobutyric acid transaminase (GABA-T, a GABA degradation enzyme) in the hippocampus and dentate gyrus of the gerbil at postnatal month 1 (PM 1), PM 3, PM 6, PM 12, and PM 24. Age-related changes of GABA-T immunoreactivity were distinct in the hippocampal CA1 region and in the dentate gyrus. GABA-T immunoreactivity was weak at PM 1, but at PM 3, it had increased significantly, and then increased further. Between PM 6 and PM 12, strong GABA-T immunoreactivity was found in nonpyramidal cells (GABAergic) in the stratum pyramidale of the CA1 region, and at PM 6, strong GABA-T immunoreactivity was found in neurons of the dentate gyrus subgranular zone. At PM 24, CA1 pyramidal cells showed strong GABA-T immunoreactivity. Western blot analysis showed a pattern of GABA-T expression similar to that shown by immunohistochemistry at various ages. In conclusion, our results suggest that the age-related changes of GABA-T provide important information about the aged brain with GABA dysfunction.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 4-Aminobutyrate Transaminase / metabolism*
  • Age Factors
  • Aging / metabolism*
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Animals
  • Blotting, Western / methods
  • Cell Count
  • Dentate Gyrus / enzymology*
  • Gerbillinae
  • Glutamate Decarboxylase / metabolism
  • Hippocampus / anatomy & histology*
  • Immunohistochemistry / methods
  • Isoenzymes / metabolism

Substances

  • Isoenzymes
  • 4-Aminobutyrate Transaminase
  • Glutamate Decarboxylase
  • glutamate decarboxylase 1