Gestational changes of GABA levels and GABA binding in the human uterus

Life Sci. 1989;44(26):2009-14. doi: 10.1016/0024-3205(89)90346-9.

Abstract

The concentrations of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the activities of L-glutamate decarboxylase and GABA-transaminase, and the nature of the sodium-independent binding of GABA were examined in uterine tissue pieces obtained surgically from pregnant and non-pregnant women. GABA concentrations were reduced, while the activity of GABA-transaminase and the specific binding of [3H]GABA significantly increased in specimens from pregnant subjects. These findings suggest some gestation-related functional role for the GABA system in the human uterus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 4-Aminobutyrate Transaminase / metabolism
  • Binding, Competitive
  • Female
  • Glutamate Decarboxylase / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy / metabolism*
  • Receptors, GABA-A / metabolism*
  • Uterus / metabolism*
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / physiology*

Substances

  • Receptors, GABA-A
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • 4-Aminobutyrate Transaminase
  • Glutamate Decarboxylase