Gamma-aminobutyric acid ameliorates gamma rays-induced oxidative stress in the small intestine of rats

Abstract Background The current study aimed to evaluate the role of gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) in modulating histopathological and biochemical disturbances in the rat’s small intestine following gamma radiation exposure. Results The results showed that whole body gamma irradiation (6 Gy) of rats induced mucosal damage, hemorrhage, increased cellularity of the lamina propria layer with areas of complete ulcerations. Histopathological changes were associated with a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs). In parallel, a significant decrease in catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities was demonstrated. Administration of GABA (200 mg/kg body weight GABA daily via gastric gavage for three consecutive weeks) after irradiation of rats has significantly improved the oxidant/antioxidant status which was associated with regeneration of the small intestinal cell structure. Conclusion Gastric administration of GABA was found to offer an advantageous treatment against gamma irradiation-induced small intestine oxidative stress in rats, probably by utilizing ameliorative effects via its antioxidant and free radical-scavenging activities. Its mechanisms need to be further investigated.