Circannual variations of GABA content in cytosolic and crude synaptosomal fractions in some brain areas of the European hamster.

In the European hamster, Cricetus cricetus, a common hibernator, over a year, the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content has been followed, in the cytosolic and crude synaptosomal fractions of the olfactory bulbs, hypothalamus and cerebellum. In these 3 areas, the GABA content shows circannual variations of endogenous origin: in this period, in both fractions two peaks can be observed, at the beginning of spring and in autumn. These circannual variations do not follow the circannual variation of food intake or body weight.