Possible inhibitory influence of gamma-aminobutyric acid on growth hormone secretion in the rat.

Increasing the levels of endogenous gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) by treating rats with GABA-transaminase inhibitors (ethanolamine-O-sulphate and gamma acetylenic GABA) resulted in a decrease in plasma levels of GH. Diminishing GABAergic activity by inhibiting GABA synthesis with 3-mercaptopropionic acid or by blocking GABA receptors with bicuculline increased plasma concentration of GH. The presence of GABA was without effect on the basal, somatostatin-inhibited or high K+-stimulated secretion of GH by hemipituitary glands in vitro. The results suggest that GABA inhibits secretion of GH under the given experimental circumstances.