Effect of Curcumin on the Hypothalamus Levels of the Potent Inhibitory Neurotransmitter ,Gamma aminobutyric acid

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Background: There are some reports in the literature showing t hat hypothalamus synthesizes and secretes amino acid neurotransmitte rs. According to several studies, elevated serum levels of gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), a potent inhibitory neurotransmitter, have recently been imp licated in the pathogenesis of neural diseases. The purpose of this research was t o estimate the effects of curcumin on GABA’s level in rat's hypothalamus. Materials and Methods : We used a standard animal model of rats (n=18) wi th mean weight 190-210 g, to determine the effects of administration of curcumin at the end of the experimental period, one week, two w eeks, four weeks and eight weeks ,at doses of 250 mg/kg and 625 mg/kg on GABA level in hypothalamus. On the day of experiment, hypothalamus was extracted and homogenized through a 10 -µm filter, rinsed with PBS, re-filtered, and centrifuged at 1200 rpm for 15 min. Then rat hypothalamus was weighed, and homogenized (10% w/v) in 0.1 M PBS with poltroon homogenizer at pH 7.4. Homogenates were used immediately for determination of GABA level. Quantifications of GABA in all samples were performed by enzymatic method. Results : Our results indicate that curcumin has a potentia l to increase GABA content in the rats' hypothalamus. These results su ggest that curcumin holds promise as a natural agent to control or decrease t he signs of lack of GABA level. Conclusion: Curcumin may be used clinically as a neuro-protect ive drug for treatment of patients suffering from neuron damage.