Cells expressing GABA synthetic enzyme, glutamate decarboxylase, in stomach and intestine: RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry studies

Expression of glutamate decarboxylase in mouse stomach and intestine was studied by RT-PCR and immunohistochemical techniques. The RT-PCR study showed GAD mRNA expression in fetus and postnatal ages of 4 and 11 weeks old mice. A strong positive staining against GAD65 was observed at both stomach and intestine of the 4- and 11-week old mice. GFP positive cells were found in the fetus at both stomach and intestine, suggesting that GAD67 is expressed early in life. In this study, we present preliminary results of our findings on GAD expressing cells in stomach and intestine and discuss the significance of GAD expression and role(s) of these cells.