Protective effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) against cytotoxicity of ethanol in isolated rat hepatocytes involves modulations in cellular polyamine levels

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is considered to be a multifunctional molecule with various physiological effects throughout the body. It is also evident that the liver contains GABA and its transporter. However, the functions of GABA in liver have not been well documented. In this study, the cytopro...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Amino acids 2007-04, Vol.32 (3), p.419-423
Main Authors: Norikura, T, Kojima-Yuasa, A, Opare Kennedy, D, Matsui-Yuasa, I
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Biogenic Polyamines - metabolism
Cell Survival - drug effects
Cells, Cultured
Cytotoxicity
Cytotoxins - toxicity
Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
Ethanol
Ethanol - toxicity
GABA
gamma-Aminobutyric Acid - pharmacology
hepatocytes
Hepatocytes - metabolism
Hepatocytes - pathology
Male
Polyamines
Rats
Rats, Wistar
Rodents
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Summary:Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is considered to be a multifunctional molecule with various physiological effects throughout the body. It is also evident that the liver contains GABA and its transporter. However, the functions of GABA in liver have not been well documented. In this study, the cytoprotective effect of GABA against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity was evaluated in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. Addition of ethanol induced decrease of cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. However, treatment with GABA resulted in a dose-dependent recovery from ethanol (150 mM)-induced cytotoxicity. GABA reversed the ethanol-induced decrease in intracellular polyamine levels. Furthermore, the addition of polyamines also reversed the ethanol-induced decrease of cell viability. These results suggest that GABA is protective against the cytotoxicity of ethanol in isolated rat hepatocytes and this effect may be modulated by the maintenance of intracellular polyamine levels.
ISSN:0939-4451
1438-2199
DOI:10.1007/s00726-006-0381-3