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GABA signaling pathway key molecules are expressed in mouse and human cervical Tissue

endocervical glands. Cervical mucus modulates fertility by cyclical changes of its biophysical and functional properties which are related to the cyclic hormones levels. Based on the analogy to the bronchial goblet cells we set out to investigate possible role of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling pathway in the mediation of estrogen-induced mucus production and secretion from the endocervical secretory cells. The aim of the study was to examine the expression of the GABA signaling pathway key molecules in the human and mouse cervical tissue. The molecules involved in this study were GABAA receptor (GABAAR), glutamic acid decarboxylase 65/67 (GAD65/67) and vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT). Methods: In order to examine the expression of key GABAergic molecules, mouse and human cervix was tested by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) and immunohistochemistry. Results: The mouse cervical tissue expressed GabaAR mRNA transcripts in all four phases of the estrous cycle, but GABAAR positive immunolabelling was present only in proestrous in the superficial simple columnar layer of the cervico-vaginal epithelium. RTPCR analysis of human cervical tissue showed presence of GABAAR and GAD65/67 mRNA transcripts. All three molecules, GABAAR, GAD65/67 and VGAT showed clear immunofluorescent signals in the endocervical secretory epithelium. GABAAR signal was mostly present in the area beneath the secretory mucin granules, apically to the cell nucleus. Discussion, Conclusion: The results of this study confirmed that elements of GABA signaling pathway are expressed in the secretory epithelium of mouse and human cervical tissue and that GABA signaling pathway could be considered a possible mediator in estrogen regulation of mucus secretion in the endocervical glands.

endocervical glands, mucus, GABA, estrogen

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