γ-Aminobutyric acid

The γ-aminobutyric acid C4H9NO2, actually called 4-aminobutanoic acid, is one of the amino acids not found in proteins. It serves as an important inhibitory neurotransmitter and finds its main application in the central nervous system of the human body.

Name declaration

The name of the γ-Aminobutyric acid describes three typical characteristics of this compound. First, the name butyric acid indicates that the neurotransmitter belongs to the category of butanoic acids, which owe their trivial name to their smell of vomit or rancid butter. The prefix amino indicates that the compound contains an amino group and was thus synthesized from an amine. The designation y indicates that the amino group is located on the third carbon atom as seen from the carboxy group.

Biosynthesis

γ-Aminobutyric acid is produced in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. With the help of the enzyme glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), a CO2 group is cleaved from a glutamate molecule (C5H9NO4). A hydrogen atom is then removed from the positively charged amine group and attached to the negatively charged carboxyl group, resulting in a balanced y-aminobutanoic acid molecule. This process takes place in the body automatically every four hours, but if necessary the production of butyric acid is also increased.

Body applications

There are several, important functions performed by γ-aminobutyric acid. First, it serves as an inhibitor in the central nervous system. When it attaches itself to specific receptors, 4-aminobutyric acid signals the body not to release certain hormones or to release them at a reduced rate. This affects the behavior of a person who becomes shy, reserved and introverted when there is an excess of γ-aminobutyric acid. At the same time, the concentration of γ-aminobutyric acid in the pancreas affects the secretion of glucagon, by which the blood sugar level is increased. Acid inhibits the production of glucagon, which reduces the concentration of blood sugar.

Another important role is played by γ-aminobutyric acid in the breakdown of alcohol. The acid is partially transported from the pancreas to the glial cells, where it is broken down by the enzyme GABA transaminase into succinate semialdehyde, which is important for the citrate cycle.

The last main function of γ-aminobutyric acid is especially important in the fetal stage of a human, as researchers have found that 4-aminobutanoic acid promotes the building of synapses and the networking of neuronal pathways during this period, making it an important component in the formation of the brain.

Research approaches

Due to its inhibitory effects, it is being investigated whether γ-aminobutyric acid plays a possible factor in diabetes. So far, it is known that high glucose concentrations in the body increase the number of receptors for butyric acid, which also increases the relative release of γ-aminobutyric acid. This is why it is being investigated whether the increased production of the acid in the body influences other factors such as the production of insulin and can thus promote the onset of diabetes.

Another research approach can be found in brain research. Because of its role in forming neural pathways in fetuses, some scientists are investigating whether the artificial synthesis and administration of γ-aminobutyric acid together with other factors could possibly lead to the formation of new synapses and neuronal connections in patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease, among others. If the experiments were successful, this would be a first approach to cure this disease and at the same time open up possibilities to repair further neuronal damage or deterioration.

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