Protective roles of hepatic GABA signaling in liver injury.

In addition to functioning as a neurotransmitter, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) generates signals, via its type A or type B receptors (GABAARs or GABABRs), in various types of cells. Studies, including ours, show that GABAAR-mediated auto- and paracrine GABAergic signaling occurs in rodent hepatocytes and cholangiocytes, protecting the liver against toxic injuries. This short article briefly introduces the GABA signaling system in rodent livers and discusses potential mechanisms by which the hepatic GABA signaling protects the liver function.