Effect of GABA-T on Reproductive Function in Female Rats.

This study explored the role of γ-aminobutyric acid transaminase (GABA-T) in the puberty and reproductive performance of female rats. Immunofluorescence technique, quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to detect the distribution of GABA-T and the expression of genes and hormones in female rats, respectively. The results showed that GABA-T was mainly distributed in the arcuate nucleus (ARC), paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and periventricular nucleus (PeN) of the hypothalamus, and in the adenohypophysis, ovarian granulosa cells and oocytes. mRNA level at 28 d was lowest in the hypothalamus and the pituitary; at puberty, it was lowest in the ovary. mRNA level was highest in adults in the hypothalamus; at infancy and puberty, it was highest in the pituitary; and at 21 d it was highest in the ovary. After vigabatrin (GABA-T irreversible inhibitor) was added to hypothalamus cells, the levels of mRNA and mRNA were significantly reduced, but mRNA increased at the dose of 25 and 50 μg/mL; mRNA was significantly increased but mRNA was reduced at the 50 μg/mL dose. In prepubertal rats injected with vigabatrin, puberty onset was delayed. mRNA, mRNA and mRNA levels were significantly reduced, but mRNA level increased in the hypothalamus. Vigabatrin reduced the concentrations of GABA-T, luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone (P), and the ovarian index. Lactation performance was reduced in adult rats with vigabatrin treatment. Four hours after vigabatrin injection, the concentrations of GABA-T and LH were significantly reduced in adult and 25 d rats, but follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) increased in 25 d rats. In conclusion, GABA-T affects the reproductive function of female rats by regulating the levels of , and in the hypothalamus as well as the concentrations of LH and P.