Functional expression and CNS distribution of a beta-alanine-sensitive neuronal GABA transporter. |
| |
Authors: | J A Clark A Y Deutch P Z Gallipoli S G Amara |
| |
Institution: | Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510. |
| |
Abstract: | The synaptic action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is terminated by high affinity, Na(+)-dependent transport processes in both neurons and glia. We have isolated a novel GABA transporter cDNA, GAT-B, which encodes a high affinity (Km = 2.3 microM), Na(+)- and Cl(-)-dependent GABA transport protein that is potently blocked by beta-alanine, a compound generally considered a selective inhibitor of glial transport. However, in situ hybridization studies indicate that GAT-B mRNA is expressed predominantly within neurons. These data indicate that the neuronal-glial distinction of GABA transporters based on inhibitor sensitivities must be reconsidered and suggest a greater diversity of GABA transporters than has been predicted by previous pharmacologic studies. |
| |
Keywords: | |
|
|