Abstract: GABA is a principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system of mammalian. However, GABA and its receptor are present not only in peripheral neuronal tissue, but also in many peripheral non-neuronal tissues, suggesting that GABA plays important roles in regulating signal transduction and endocrine function. Recently, many studies showed that GABA and its receptors also play some special roles in the female reproduction and reproductive disorders. GABA signaling is involved in follicular development and maturation by regulating estrogen and progesterone production. Meanwhile, GABA through various GABA receptors can regulate embryo implantation and placentation. In addition, GABA and its receptors are related to many reproductive diseases by some specific signaling pathways, including tumor proliferation and metastasis. This review discussed the research progress of GABA and its receptors in the female reproductive processing and related diseases.

Key words: Gamma-aminobutyric acid, Receptors, GABA, Ovarian follicle, Placenta, Neoplasms