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Segmental distribution and gestational changes of GABA-transaminase activity in the rat oviduct

Summary. The occurrence and the localization of 4-aminobutyrate:2-oxoglutarate transaminase (GABA-transaminase) in the non-pregnant and pregnant rat oviduct were examined using biochemical and enzyme histochemical techniques.

Specific GABA-transaminase activity was detected in the ampullary and isthmic portions of the oviduct as well as in the utero-tubal junction. The enzymic activity was lower in the ampullary than in the isthmic or intramural segments of the oviduct. Pregnancy induced a significant increase of GABA-transaminase activity in each portion of the oviduct.

Enzyme histochemistry showed the highest GABA-transaminase reactivity at the level of the epithelial cells of the oviduct irrespective of the portion of the tube examined. A faint specific activity was demonstrated in the smooth muscle of the oviduct while the serosa did not show specific staining.

Our findings indicate that: (1) the observed increase of GABA-transaminase activity in the oviduct of the pregnant rat may be responsible for the reduced GABA levels in the oviduct during gestation; and (2) the extraneuronal localization of GABA-transaminase activity does not seem to support the suggestion of a possible GABAergic innervation of the oviduct.