Background: GABAA receptor γ2 and δ subunits are thought to be responsible for synaptic and extrasynaptic targeting. Results: We demonstrate here that α2 and α6 subunits can target δ/γ2 chimeras to synaptic and extrasynaptic sites. Conclusion: The α subunits play a direct role in GABAA receptor targeting. Significance: Different subunits of GABAA receptors encode intrinsic signals to control su...

GABAA receptors are a heterogeneous family of ligand-gated ion channels responsible for mediating inhibitory neurotransmission in the CNS. Since the identification of mammalian cDNAs encoding 13 GABAA-receptor subunits, the composition of native receptor molecules and their localization in the brain has been an area of intense study. We conclude that the number of major subtypes is probably les...

hippocampus is essentially involved in learning and memory processes, and is known to be a target for androgen actions. the high density of the androgen receptors in hippocampus shows that there must be some relationship between androgens and memory. androgen effects on spatial memory are complex and contradictory. some evidence suggests a positive correlation between androgens and spatial memo...

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a metabolic hormone that is secreted in a glucose-dependent manner and enhances insulin secretion. GLP-1 receptors are also found in the brain where their signalling affects neuronal activity. We have previously shown that the GLP-1 receptor agonists, GLP-1 and exendin-4 enhanced GABA-activated synaptic and tonic currents in rat hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neuro...

Attenuated behavioral sensitivity to neurosteroids has been reported for mice deficient in the GABAA receptor subunit. We therefore investigated potential subunit-specific neurosteroid pharmacology of the following GABAA receptor isoforms in a transient expression system: 1 3 2L, 1 3 , 6 3 2L, and 6 3 . Potentiation of submaximal GABAA receptor currents by the neurosteroid tetrahydrodeoxycortic...

Benzodiazepine (BZ) binding site ligands are important central nervous system (CNS) drugs. Their numbers and our knowledge of how they interact with the BZ-binding site of GABAA receptors are both rapidly expanding. The GABAA receptor is a member of the ligand-gated ion channel superfamily. In general, it consists of an assembly of transmembrane pentamers of different subunit compositions (1). ...

Understanding the effects of tobacco smoking on neuroadaptations in GABAA receptor levels over alcohol withdrawal will provide critical insights for the treatment of comorbid alcohol and nicotine dependence. We conducted parallel studies in human subjects and nonhuman primates to investigate the differential effects of tobacco smoking and nicotine on changes in GABAA receptor availability durin...

Studies were carried out on the effects of GABA and agonists or antagonists of its receptors on in vivo or in vitro spontaneous secretion as well as LHRH analog (D-Ala LHRH) stimulated maturational gonadotropic hormone (GtH2) secretion in carp fed the diet containing zinc. A possible modulatory action of dopamine in these processes was examined by simultaneous administration of pimozide, a dopa...

There are coflicting reports regarding the role of GABA in morphine analgesia. While-sorne investigators have reported that treatment with GABAA receptor agonist muscimol and GABA transaminase inhibitors potentiates morphine analgesia (2.4.6) others have reported antagonism of morphine analgesia (8.10). In view of these conflicting reports and since the analgesic profile 'of THIP, a GABAA recep...

introduction: the bed nucleus stria terminalis (bst) is a part of the limbic system. it was recently shown that chemical stimulation of the bst by l-glutamate elicited cardiovascular depressive responses. in the present study, we have investigated the possible cardiovascular role of the gabaergic receptors in bst by microinjection of its agonist and antagonists. methods: experiments were perfor...