GABA in Hepatic Proliferation and Regeneration

Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) is a ubiquitous four-carbon, non-protein amino with diverse physiological actions in various types of cells throughout the body. Studies, including ours, show that type A GABA receptor (GABAAR)-mediated auto- and/or paracrine GABAergic signaling exists in rodent liver, protecting the liver against toxic injuries. This short article briefly introduces the hepatic GABA signaling system and discusses the potential mechanism underlying GABA regulation of cell proliferation and regeneration in the liver.