Effects of the GABA-A receptor agonist and antagonist on the in vitro release of hypothalamic catecholamines: Apparent parallelism between these effects and the LHRH secretion in adult male rats

Summary

GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) has a well-known inhibitory effect on the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) secretion. In order to evaluate the contribution of the catecholaminergic neurotransmitters on the inhibitory effect produced by GABA on the LHRH release, we measured in adult male rats the in vitro hypothalamic output of LHRH, epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA); after the administration of, either muscimol 1 μM (GABA-A agonist), and/or 1 μM bicuculline (GABA-A antagonist). The following results were obtained: muscimol inhibited LHRH secretion, and this effect was accompanied by a decrease of NE, E and DA output. The opposite effects were observed after the addition of bicuculline, i.e, stimulation of LHRH, NE, E and DA release. In conclusion, our results show that, in the adult male rats, GABA has an inhibitory effect on the in vitro release of LHRH, acting on the GABA-A receptor. This effect on LHRH secretion might be exerted directly, or indirectly, by altering the release of either NE, E, and/or DA.

Key words

LHRH - GABA-A receptor - catecholamines