The influence of GABA on the synthesis of N-acetylserotonin, melatonin, O-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptophol and O-acetyl-5-methoxytryptophol in the pineal gland of the male Wistar rat

Reprod Nutr Dev (1980). 1983;23(1):151-60. doi: 10.1051/rnd:19830114.

Abstract

The influence of GABA on the synthesis of N-acetylserotonin, melatonin, O-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptophol and O-acetyl-5-methoxytryptophol has been investigated using different experimental procedures. It was demonstrated that when GABA and an acetyl donor were added to the incubation medium together, a significant increase in synthesis of the N-acetylated products occurred during the night. Moreover there was a large increase in N-acetylserotonin synthesis at 15(00) hrs although none was observed in the control experiments. However, when GABA was added 20 min before the acetyl donor, synthesis of the N-acetylated products was significantly less. The opposite effect was observed for the O-acetylated indoles. These results confirm the proposal by Ebadi et al. (1982) that GABA, like norepinephrine, may be a regulator of melatonin synthesis. As melatonin is implicated in the regulation of reproduction it may be that GABA is equally significant in this regulatory effect.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetylation
  • Animals
  • Circadian Rhythm / drug effects
  • Hydroxytryptophol / analogs & derivatives
  • Hydroxytryptophol / biosynthesis*
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Indoles / biosynthesis*
  • Male
  • Melatonin / biosynthesis*
  • Pineal Gland / metabolism*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Serotonin / analogs & derivatives*
  • Serotonin / biosynthesis
  • Time Factors
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Indoles
  • Hydroxytryptophol
  • Serotonin
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • O-acetyl-5-methoxytryptophenol
  • O-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptophol
  • Melatonin
  • N-acetylserotonin