Specific cerebrovascular localization of glutamate decarboxylase activity

Glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) activity and GABA levels, determined with a [3H]muscimol radioreceptor assay, were found to be significantly higher in cerebral blood vessels from the piaarachnoid membrane as compared to extracranial vessels (aorta, mesenteric and femoral arteries, and vena cava). A cerebrovascular localization for GABA and GAD is consistent with earlier studies suggesting that an indigenous GABA system is involved in cerebral vascular function.