Expression of gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamic acid decarboxylases in rat descending colon and their relation to epithelial differentiation.

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Wang FY, Zhu RM, Maemura K, Hirata I, Katsu K, Watanabe M

Expression of gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamic acid decarboxylases in rat descending colon and their relation to epithelial differentiation.

Chin J Dig Dis. 2006;7(2):103-8.

PubMed ID

16643338 [ View in PubMed

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To detect the expression of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamic acid decarboxylases (GADs; including two isoforms GAD65 and GAD67) in the epithelial growth zones of the descending colon in rats, and to investigate their relation to epithelial differentiation and proliferation. METHODS: The expression of GABA and GADs in rat descending colon was investigated by immunofluorescent staining and confocal laser scanning techniques, and goblet cells were further investigated by wheat-germ agglutinin histochemistry. In addition, GAD65 and GAD67 mRNAs were also detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, evaluation of cell kinetics in colonic epithelia was conducted by ABC immunostaining using a monoclonal antibody against proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). RESULTS: Immunoreactive GABA and GADs were distributed in the upper third of the crypts and at the luminal surface in the rat descending colon. Strong staining for GABA and GADs was localized mainly in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells near the neck of the crypts and along the luminal surface. In addition, GABA and GAD65 were also detected at the lamina propria in colonic mucosa. No staining for GABA or GADs was found in goblet cells. GAD65 and GAD67 mRNAs were identified in homogenates of rat descending colon. PCNA labeled nuclei were found in the lower two-thirds of the crypts. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of GABA and GADs in the maturation and function zones of rat descending colon suggests that GABA may be involved in the differentiation of colonic epithelial cells.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drug Targets

Drug	Target	Kind	Organism	Pharmacological Action	Actions
Glutamic acid	Glutamate decarboxylase 1	Protein	Humans	Unknown	Not Available	Details
Glutamic acid	Glutamate decarboxylase 2	Protein	Humans	Unknown	Not Available	Details