The Therapeutic Effect of Beta-Aminobutyric Acid (ßABA) on Hypercortisolism.

Certainly, the primary action of Propylthiouracil (PTU) is to inhibit the production of thyroid hormones (T4, T3) by preventing iodine molecules from combining with the amino acid tyrosine and thus increasing the secretion of thyroid hormone (TSH). This study aimed to investigate the effect of beta-aminobutyric acid (ßABA) on hypercortisolism caused by high TSH levels. We performed the experiment on 20 male Sprague-Dawley rats divided into four groups (A, B, C, D) in each group five rats, three groups (B, C, D) exposed to hypothyroidism with propylthiouracil (PTU) by intraperitoneal injection peritoneum for 10 days. After the symptoms of hypothyroidism appeared, groups, C and D were treated with ßABA at a concentration of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight, also by intraperitoneal injection twice a week for three weeks, while keeping groups A, and B as control groups. The level of TSH, ACTH, and Cortisol was measured. The results showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the level of TSH and an increase in the level of cortisol with a decrease in the level of ACTH in the hypothyroid group, While the groups that were injected with amino acid, showed a decrease in the level of TSH, Cortisol and an increase in the level of ACTH in both concentrations. We conclude from the current study that hypothyroidism leads to hypercortisolism and that ßABA has a therapeutic effect on elevated levels of TSH and cortisol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]