GABA Stimulates Aldosterone Production In Intact Zona Glomerulosa Cells in Fetal Bovine Adrenal Glands

Aldosterone is a steroid hormone produced in the adrenal cortex. It is mainly used in regulating ion movement such as Na+ and K+ via Na+/K+ pumps and thus it regulates mean arterial pressure. GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that is found predominately in the central nervous system (CNS). This study aims to understand the effects of GABA on the aldosterone production in intact zona glomerulosa cells in fetal bovine adrenal glands. An Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test was used to assess the effects of GABA on aldosterone production. GABA was given to an experimental group in varying concentrations of: 1.4 micromoles/ml, 2.8 micromoles/ml, and 5.6 micromoles/ml. It was observed that the aldosterone production increased at each concentration: 1.4 micromoles/ml increased by 7.85752% (with p=0.00014), 2.8 micromoles/ml increased by 4.81063% (with p=0.00012), and 5.6 micromoles/ml increased by 3.82624% (with p=0.00364). The data indicate that a dose dependent curve relationship exists as the GABA concentration increased and the aldosterone production increased.