The GABAA receptor is an FMRP target with therapeutic potential in fragile X syndrome

Previous research indicates that the GABA_Aergic system is involved in the pathophysiology of the fragile X syndrome, a frequent form of inherited intellectual disability and associated with autism spectrum disorder. However, the molecular mechanism underlying GABA_Aergic deficits has remained largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate reduced mRNA expression of GABA_A receptor subunits in the cortex and cerebellum of young Fmr1 knockout mice. In addition, we show that the previously reported underexpression of specific subunits of the GABA_A receptor can be corrected in YAC transgenic rescue mice, containing the full-length human FMR1 gene in an Fmr1 knockout background. Moreover, we demonstrate that FMRP directly binds several GABA_A receptor mRNAs. Finally, positive allosteric modulation of GABA_A receptors with the neurosteroid ganaxolone can modulate specific behaviors in Fmr1 knockout mice, emphasizing the therapeutic potential of the receptor.     

Protein phosphatase regulation by PRIP, a PLC-related catalytically inactive protein—Implications in the phospho-modulation of the GABAA receptor

PRIP, phospholipase C related, but catalytically inactive protein was first identified as a novel inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate binding protein. It has a number of binding partners including protein phosphatase (PP1 and 2A), GABA_A receptor associated protein, and the β subunits of GABA_A receptors, in addition to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. The identification of these molecules led us to examine the possible involvement of PRIP in the phospho-regulation of the β subunits of GABA_A receptors using hippocampal neurons prepared from PRIP-1 and 2 double knock-out (DKO) mice. Experiments were performed with special reference to the dephosphorylation processes of the β subunits. The phosphorylation of β3 subunits by the activation of protein kinase A in cortical neurons of the control mice continued for up to 5 min, even after washing out of the stimulus, followed by a gradual dephosphorylation. That of DKO mice gradually increased in spite of the lower phosphorylation levels induced by the stimulation. There was little difference in the amount of cellular cyclic AMP and protein kinase A activity between the control and mutant mice, indicating that phosphatases such as PP1 and PP2A are primarily involved in the difference. The time course of PP1 activity changes in the vicinity of the receptors in control mice corresponded to the phosphorylation of PRIP, while that of the mutant mice decreased with the period of the incubation. This is a good agreement with the suggestion that PRIP binds to and inactivates PP1, which is regulated by the phosphorylation of PRIP at threonine 94. These results suggest that PRIP plays an important role in controlling the dynamics of GABA_A receptor phosphorylation by through PP1 binding and, therefore, the efficacy of synaptic inhibition mediated by these receptors.     

Autoradiographic Analysis of GABAA Receptors in μ-Opioid Receptor Knockout Mice

Anatomical evidence indicates that γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic and opioidergic systems are closely linked and act on the same neurons. However, the regulatory mechanisms between GABAergic and opioidergic system have not been well characterized. In the present study, we investigated whether there are changes in GABA_A receptors in mice lacking μ-opioid receptor gene. The GABA_A receptor binding was carried out by autoradiography using [³H]-muscimol (GABA_A), [³H]-flunitrazepam (FNZ, native type 1 benzodiazepine) and [³⁵S]-t-butylbicyclophosphorothionate (TBPS, binding to GABA_A-gated chloride channels) in brain slices of wild type and μ-opioid receptor knockout mice. The binding of [³H]-FNZ in μ-opioid receptor knockout mice was significantly higher than that of the wild type controls in most of the cortex and hippocampal CA1 and CA2 formations. μ-Opioid receptor knockout mice show significantly lower binding of [³⁵S]-TBPS than that of the wild type mice in few of the cortical areas including ectorhinal cortex layers I, III, and V, but not in the hippocampus. There was no significant difference in binding of [³H]-muscimol between μ-opioid receptor knockout and wild type mice in the cortex and hippocampus. These data indicate that there are specific regional changes in GABA_A receptor binding sites in μ-opioid receptor knockout mice. These data also suggest that there are compensatory up-regulation of benzodiazepine binding site of GABA_A receptors in the cortex and hippocampus and down-regulation of GABA-gated chloride channel binding site of GABA_A receptors in the cortex of the μ-opioid receptor knockout mice.     

Tyrosine Kinase Phosphorylation of GABAA Receptor α1, β2 and γ2 Subunits Following Chronic Intermittent Ethanol (CIE) Exposure of Cultured Cortical Neurons of Mice

There is evidence that many of the GABA_A receptor subunits contain consensus sequence for tyrosine kinase, and phosphorylation may play a key role in ethanol’s regulation of GABA_A receptors. Recently, we investigated the effect of chronic exposure of ethanol (CE) on tyrosine kinase phosphorylation and reported that there was an up-regulation in tyrosine kinase phosphorylation of the β₂- and γ₂- subunits and no effect on α₁-subunit of the GABA_A receptor in the cultured cortical neurons of mice. In the present study, we have further investigated the effect of chronic intermittent administration of ethanol (CIE) on tyrosine kinase phosphorylation of the GABA_A receptor subunits (α₁, β₂, and γ₂) in the mouse cultured cortical neurons by immunoprecipitation and Western blot techniques. We observed that there was an up-regulation in the tyrosine kinase phosphorylation of the GABA_A receptor β₂- and γ₂-subunits following CIE exposure, and no effect on α₁-subunit in the cultured cortical neurons of mice. These CIE changes, unlike CE, were not reverted back to the control level following ethanol withdrawal even after 7 days. Acute exposure of ethanol did not cause any change in the tyrosine kinase regulation of the GABA_A receptor subunits. In conclusion, the CIE exposure, unlike chronic/acute ethanol exposure, regulates the tyrosine kinase phosphorylation of the selective population of GABA_A receptors in a long lasting manner.     

Brain regional distribution of GABAA receptors exhibiting atypical GABA agonism: Roles of receptor subunits

The major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), has only partial efficacy at certain subtypes of GABA_A receptors. To characterize these minor receptor populations in rat and mouse brains, we used autoradiographic imaging of t-butylbicyclophosphoro[³⁵S]thionate ([³⁵S]TBPS) binding to GABA_A receptors in brain sections and compared the displacing capacities of 10 mM GABA and 1 mM 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-3-ol (THIP), a competitive GABA-site agonist. Brains from GABA_A receptor α1, α4, δ, and α4 + δ subunit knockout (KO) mouse lines were used to understand the contribution of these particular receptor subunits to “GABA-insensitive” (GIS) [³⁵S]TBPS binding. THIP displaced more [³⁵S]TBPS binding than GABA in several brain regions, indicating that THIP also inhibited GIS-binding. In these regions, GABA prevented the effect of THIP on GIS-binding. GIS-binding was increased in the cerebellar granule cell layer of δ KO and α4 + δ KO mice, being only slightly diminished in that of α1 KO mice. In the thalamus and some other forebrain regions of wild-type mice, a significant amount of GIS-binding was detected. This GIS-binding was higher in α4 KO mice. However, it was fully abolished in α1 KO mice, indicating that the α1 subunit was obligatory for the GIS-binding in the forebrain.Our results suggest that native GABA_A receptors in brain sections showing reduced displacing capacity of [³⁵S]TBPS binding by GABA (partial agonism) minimally require the assembly of α1 and β subunits in the forebrain and of α6 and β subunits in the cerebellar granule cell layer. These receptors may function as extrasynaptic GABA_A receptors.     

Moderate concentrations of 4-O-methylhonokiol potentiate GABAA receptor currents stronger than honokiol

Background

Magnolia bark preparations from Magnolia officinalis of Asian medicinal systems are known for their muscle relaxant effect and anticonvulsant activity. These CNS related effects are ascribed to the presence of the biphenyl-type neolignans honokiol and magnolol that exert a potentiating effect on GABA_A receptors. 4-O-methylhonokiol isolated from seeds of the North-American M. grandiflora was compared to honokiol for its activity to potentiate GABA_A receptors and its GABA_A receptor subtype-specificity was established.

Methods

Different recombinant GABA_A receptors were functionally expressed in Xenopus oocytes and electrophysiological techniques were used determine to their modulation by 4-O-methylhonokiol.

Results

3 μM 4-O-methylhonokiol is shown here to potentiate responses of the α₁β₂γ₂ GABA_A receptor about 20-fold stronger than the same concentration of honokiol. In the present study potentiation by 4-O-methylhonokiol is also detailed for 12 GABA_A receptor subtypes to assess GABA_A receptor subunits that are responsible for the potentiating effect.

Conclusion

The much higher potentiation of GABA_A receptors at identical concentrations of 4-O-methylhonokiol as compared to honokiol parallels previous observations made in other systems of potentiated pharmacological activity of 4-O-methylhonokiol over honokiol.

General significance

The results point to the use of 4-O-methylhonokiol as a lead for GABA_A receptor potentiation and corroborate the use of M. grandiflora seeds against convulsions in Mexican folk medicine.     

Triton x-100 inhibits agonist-induced currents and suppresses benzodiazepine modulation of GABAA receptors in Xenopus oocytes

Changes in lipid bilayer elastic properties have been proposed to underlie the modulation of voltage-gated Na⁺ and L-type Ca²⁺ channels and GABA_A receptors by amphiphiles. The amphiphile Triton X-100 increases the elasticity of lipid bilayers at micromolar concentrations, assessed from its effects on gramicidin channel A appearance rate and lifetime in artificial lipid bilayers. In the present study, the pharmacological action of Triton-X 100 on GABA_A receptors expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes was examined. Triton-X 100 inhibited GABA_A α₁β₃γ_2S receptor currents in a noncompetitive, time- and voltage-dependent manner and increased the apparent rate and extent of desensitization at 10 μM, which is 30 fold below the critical micelle concentration. In addition, Triton X-100 induced picrotoxin-sensitive GABA_A receptor currents and suppressed allosteric modulation by flunitrazepam at α₁β₃γ_2S receptors. All effects were independent of the presence of a γ_2S subunit in the GABA_A receptor complex. The present study suggests that Triton X-100 may stabilize open and desensitized states of the GABA_A receptor through changes in lipid bilayer elasticity.     

Co-expression of γ2 Subunits Hinders Processing of N-Linked Glycans Attached to the N104 Glycosylation Sites of GABAA Receptor β2 Subunits

GABA_A receptors, the major mediators of fast inhibitory neuronal transmission, are heteropentameric glycoproteins assembled from a panel of subunits, usually including α and β subunits with or without a γ2 subunit. The α1β2γ2 receptor is the most abundant GABA_A receptor in brain. Co-expression of γ2 with α1 and β2 subunits causes conformational changes, increases GABA_A receptor channel conductance, and prolongs channel open times. We reported previously that glycosylation of the three β2 subunit glycosylation sites, N32, N104 and N173, was important for α1β2 receptor channel gating. Here, we examined the hypothesis that steric effects or conformational changes caused by γ2 subunit co-expression alter the glycosylation of partnering β2 subunits. We found that co-expression of γ2 subunits hindered processing of β2 subunit N104 N-glycans in HEK293T cells. This γ2 subunit-dependent effect was strong enough that a decrease of γ2 subunit expression in heterozygous GABRG2 knockout (γ2^+/?) mice led to appreciable changes in the endoglycosidase H digestion pattern of neuronal β2 subunits. Interestingly, as measured by flow cytometry, γ2 subunit surface levels were decreased by mutating each of the β2 subunit glycosylation sites. The β2 subunit mutation N104Q also decreased GABA potency to evoke macroscopic currents and reduced conductance, mean open time and open probability of single channel currents. Collectively, our data suggested that γ2 subunits interacted with β2 subunit N-glycans and/or subdomains containing the glycosylation sites, and that γ2 subunit co-expression-dependent alterations in the processing of the β2 subunit N104 N-glycans were involved in altering the function of surface GABA_A receptors.     

Expression of a GABAB - Receptor in Olfactory Sensory Neurons of Sensilla trichodea on the Male Antenna of the Moth Heliothis virescens

In the olfactory pathway of Drosophila, a GABA_B receptor mediated presynaptic gain control mechanism at the first synapse between olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) and projection neurons has been suggested to play a critical role in setting the sensitivity and detection range of the sensory system. To approach the question if such a mechanism may be realized in the pheromone recognition system of male moths in this study attempts were made to explore if moth''s pheromone-responsive cells express a GABA_B- receptor. Employing a combination of genome analysis, RT-PCR experiments and screening of an antennal cDNA library we have identified a cDNA which encodes the GABA_B-R1 receptor of Heliothis virescens. Moreover, based on the HvirGABA_B-R1 sequence we could predict a GABA_B-R1 protein from genome sequences of the silkmoth Bombyx mori. To assess whether HvirGABA_B-R1 is expressed in OSNs of male antenna we performed whole-mount in situ hybridization (WM-ISH) experiments. Several HvirGABA_B-R1 positive cells were visualized under long sensilla trichodea, known to contain pheromone-responsive OSNs. In parallel it was shown that cells under long trichoid hairs were labelled with pheromone receptor specific probes. In addition, the HvirGABA_B-R1 specific probe also labelled several cells under shorter olfactory sensilla, but never stained cells under mechanosensory/gustatory sensilla chaetica. Together, the results indicate that a GABA_B receptor is expressed in pheromone-responsive OSNs of H. virescens and suggest a presynaptic gain control mechanism in the axon terminals of these cells.     

Methyl CpG Binding Protein 2 Gene Disruption Augments Tonic Currents of γ-Aminobutyric Acid Receptors in Locus Coeruleus Neurons: IMPACT ON NEURONAL EXCITABILITY AND BREATHING*

People with Rett syndrome and mouse models show autonomic dysfunction involving the brain stem locus coeruleus (LC). Neurons in the LC of Mecp2-null mice are overly excited, likely resulting from a defect in neuronal intrinsic membrane properties and a deficiency in GABA synaptic inhibition. In addition to the synaptic GABA receptors, there is a group of GABA_A receptors (GABA_ARs) that is located extrasynaptically and mediates tonic inhibition. Here we show evidence for augmentation of the extrasynaptic GABA_ARs in Mecp2-null mice. In brain slices, exposure of LC neurons to GABA_AR agonists increased tonic currents that were blocked by GABA_AR antagonists. With 10 μm GABA, the bicuculline-sensitive tonic currents were ∼4-fold larger in Mecp2-null LC neurons than in the WT. Single-cell PCR analysis showed that the δ subunit, the principal subunit of extrasynaptic GABA_ARs, was present in LC neurons. Expression levels of the δ subunit were ∼50% higher in Mecp2-null neurons than in the WT. Also increased in expression in Mecp2-null mice was another extrasynaptic GABA_AR subunit, α6, by ∼4-fold. The δ subunit-selective agonists 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-3-ol hydrochloride and 4-chloro-N-[2-(2-thienyl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3-yl]]benzamide activated the tonic GABA_A currents in LC neurons and reduced neuronal excitability to a greater degree in Mecp2-null mice than in the WT. Consistent with these findings, in vivo application of 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-3-ol hydrochloride alleviated breathing abnormalities of conscious Mecp2-null mice. These results suggest that extrasynaptic GABA_ARs seem to be augmented with Mecp2 disruption, which may be a compensatory response to the deficiency in GABAergic synaptic inhibition and allows control of neuronal excitability and breathing abnormalities.     

Anxiolytic-like actions of the hexane extract from leaves of Annona cherimolia in two anxiety paradigms: possible involvement of the GABA/benzodiazepine receptor complex

A hexane extract of leaves of Annona cherimolia produced anxiolytic-like actions when administered to mice and tested in two animal models of anxiety: the mouse avoidance exploratory behavior and the burying behavior tests. In order to discard unspecific drug-actions on general activity, all treatments studied in the anxiety paradigms were also analyzed in the open field test. Results showed that A. cherimolia induced anxiolytic-like actions at the doses of 6.25, 12.5, 25.0 and 50.0 mg/kg. Picrotoxin (0.25 mg/kg), a GABA-gated chloride ion channel blocker, antagonized the anxiolytic-like actions of A. cherimolia, while a sub-effective dose of muscimol (0.5 mg/kg), a selective GABA_A receptor agonist, facilitated the effects of a sub-optimal dose of A. cherimolia (3.12 mg/kg). Thus, the involvement of the GABA_A receptor complex in the anxiolytic-like actions of A. cherimolia hexane extract is suggested. In addition the extract was also able to enhance the duration of sodium pentobarbital induced sleeping time. Taken together, results indicate that the hexane extract of A. cherimolia has depressant activity on the Central Nervous System and could interact with the GABA_A receptor complex. On the other hand, the chromatographic separation of this extract led to the isolation of palmitone, and β-sitosterol as major constituents. In addition a GC-MS study of some fractions revealed the presence of several compounds such β-cariophyllene, β-selinene, α-cubebene, and linalool that have been reported to show effects on behavior that could explain some of the extract effects.     

Taurine regulation of short term synaptic plasticity in fragile X mice

Background

Fragile X Syndrome is the most common known genetic cause of autism. The Fmr1-KO mouse, lacks the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), and is used as a model of the syndrome. The core behavioral deficits of autism may be conceptualized either as excessive adherence to patterns as seen in repetitive actions and aberrant language, or as insensitivity to subtle but socially important changes in patterns. The hippocampus receives information from the entorhinal cortex and plays a crucial role in the processing of patterned information. To gain more insight into the physiological function of FMRP and the neuronal mechanisms underlying fragile X syndrome, we examined the electrophysiological response of the hippocampus to pair pulse stimulation as a measure of patterned information processing and how it is affected in the Fmr1-KO mouse.

Methods

In this study, we used paired-pulse stimulation of the afferent perforant path and recorded from the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Two-month-old FVB/NJ male mice and age-matched Fmr1-KO mice were used in this study. Hippocampal slices were prepared, equilibrated in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF), and excitatory post synaptic potentials (EPSPs) measured by stimulating the perforant path of the dentate gyrus (DG) while recording from the molecular layer of CA1. Stimulation occurred by setting current and pulse width to evoke a fixed percentage of maximal EPSP amplitude. This stimulation paradigm allowed us to examine the processing capabilities of the hippocampus as a function of increasing interstimulus intervals (ISI) and how taurine, a GABA_A receptor agonist, affects such information processing.

Results

We found that hippocampal slices from wild type (WT) showed pair-pulse facilitation at ISI of 100-300 ms whereas slices from Fmr1-KO brains showed a consistent pair-pulse depression at a comparable ISI. Addition of 10 μM taurine to WT slices resulted in a drastic decrease of the peak response to the second stimulus, resulting in an initial depression at 100 ms ISI followed by potentiation at higher ISI (150 ms and above). In the presence of taurine, the amplitude of the second response remained significantly lower than in its absence. Fmr1-KO mice however, were completely insensitive to taurine application and pair-pulse stimulation always resulted in a depression of the response to the second stimulus.

Conclusions

Previously we reported that Fmr1-KO mice have reduced beta subunits of the GABA_A receptors. We also showed as well as others that taurine acts as an agonist or a modulator for GABA_A receptors. Therefore, the insensitivity of Fmr1-KO slices to taurine application could be due to the reduced binding sites on the GABA_A receptors in the Fmr1-KO mice.

     

Assembly of GABAA receptors (Review)

GABA_A receptors are the major inhibitory transmitter receptors in the central nervous system. They are chloride ion channels that can be opened by γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and are the targets of action of a variety of pharmacologically and clinically important drugs. GABA_A receptors are composed of five subunits that can belong to different subunit classes. The existence of 19 different subunits gives rise to the formation of a large variety of distinct GABA_A receptor subtypes in the brain. The majority of GABA_A receptors seems to be composed of two α, two β and one γ subunit and the occurrence of a defined subunit stoichiometry and arrangement in αβγ receptors strongly indicates that assembly of GABA_A receptors proceeds via defined pathways. Based on the differential ability of subunits to interact with each other, a variety of studies have been performed to identify amino acid sequences or residues important for assembly. Such residues might be involved in direct protein-protein interactions, or in stabilizing direct contact sites in other regions of the subunit. Several homo-oligomeric or hetero-oligomeric assembly intermediates could be the starting point of GABA_A receptor assembly but so far no unequivocal assembly mechanism has been identified. Possible mechanisms of assembly of GABA_A receptors are discussed in the light of recent publications.     

Lack of adenosine A3 receptors causes defects in mouse peripheral blood parameters

The role of the adenosine A₃ receptor in hematopoiesis was studied using adenosine A₃ receptor knockout (A₃AR KO) mice. Hematological parameters of peripheral blood and femoral bone marrow of irradiated and untreated A₃AR KO mice and their wild-type (WT) counterparts were investigated. Irradiation of the mice served as a defined hematopoiesis-damaging means enabling us to evaluate contingent differences in the pattern of experimentally induced hematopoietic suppression between the A₃AR KO mice and WT mice. Defects were observed in the counts and/or functional parameters of blood cells in the A₃AR KO mice. These defects include statistically significantly lower values of blood neutrophil and monocyte counts, as well as those of mean erythrocyte volume, mean erythrocyte hemoglobin, blood platelet counts, mean platelet volume, and plateletcrit, and can be considered to bear evidence of the lack of a positive role played by the adenosine A₃ receptor in the hematopoietic system. Statistically significantly increased values of the bone marrow parameters studied in A₃AR KO mice (femoral bone marrow cellularity, granulocyte/macrophage progenitor cells, and erythrocyte progenitor cells) can probably be explained by compensatory mechanisms attempting to offset the disorders in the function of blood elements in these mice. The pattern of the radiation-induced hematopoietic suppression was very similar in A₃AR KO mice and their WT counterparts.     

Dephosphorylation of endogenous GABAB receptor R2 subunit and AMPK α subunits which were measured by in vitro method using transfer membrane

Protein phosphorylation can be regulated by changes in kinase activity, phosphatase activity, or both. GABA_B receptor R2 subunit (GABA_BR2) is phosphorylated at S783 by 5′-AMP-activated-protein kinase (AMPK), and this phosphorylation modulates GABA_B receptor desensitization. Since the GABA_B receptor is an integral membrane protein, solubilizing GABA_BR2 is difficult. To circumvent this problem and to identify specific phosphatases that dephosphorylate S783, we employed an in vitro assay based on dephosphorylation of proteins on PVDF membranes by purified phosphatases. Our method allowed us to demonstrate that S783 in GABA_BR2 is directly dephosphorylated by PP2A (but not by PP1, PP2B nor PP2C) in a dose-dependent and okadaic acid-sensitive manner. We also show that the level of phosphorylation of the catalytic subunit of AMPK at T172 is reduced by PP1, PP2A and PP2C. Our data indicate that PP2A dephosphorylates GABA_BR2(S783) less efficiently than AMPK(T172), and that additional phosphatases might be involved in S783 dephosphorylation.     

NMR structure of an intracellular third loop peptide of human GABA(B) receptor

GABA_B receptor is a G protein-coupled receptor for GABA and drug target for neurological and psychiatric disorders. From the analysis of GTPγS binding assay, we found that a synthesized peptide (GABAb: ETKSVSTEKINDHR) corresponding to the intracellular third loop region of metabotropic GABA_B receptor could activate G_i protein α subunit directly. The three dimensional molecular structure of the peptide in SDS-d₂₅ micelles was determined by 2D ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. GABAb peptide formed an α helical structure and a positive charge cluster at the C-terminal site. These structural features were also found in several other G protein activating peptides. From the comparison among these peptides, we found that peptides with high helical content show the high activity.     

GABA<Subscript>B</Subscript> Receptors in Neuroendocrine Regulation

Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), in addition to being a metabolic intermediate and the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft, is postulated as a neurohormone, a paracrine signaling molecule, and a trophic factor. It acts through pre- and post-synaptic receptors, named GABA_A and GABA_C (ionotropic receptors) and GABA_B (metabotropic receptor). Here we reviewed the participation of GABA_B receptors in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, using physiological, biochemical, and pharmacological approaches in rats, as well as in GABA_B1 knock-out mice, that lack functional GABA_B receptors. Our general conclusion indicates that GABA_B receptors participate in the regulation of pituitary hormone secretion acting both in the central nervous system and directly on the gland. PRL and gonadotropin axes are affected by GABA_B receptor activation, as demonstrated in the rat and also in the GABA_B1 knock-out mouse. In addition, hypothalamic and pituitary GABA_B receptor expression is modulated by steroid hormones. GABA participation in the brain control of pituitary secretion through GABA_B receptors depends on physiological conditions, being age and sex critical factors. These results indicate that patients receiving GABA_B agonists/antagonists should be monitored for possible endocrine side effects.     

GABAA receptor plasticity in Jurkat T cells

GABA_A receptors (GABA_AR) mediate inhibitory neurotransmission in the human brain. Neurons modify subunit expression, cellular distribution and function of GABA_AR in response to different stimuli, a process named plasticity. Human lymphocytes have a functional neuronal-like GABAergic system with GABA_AR acting as inhibitors of proliferation. We here explore if receptor plasticity occurs in lymphocytes. To this end, we analyzed human T lymphocyte Jurkat cells exposed to different physiological stimuli shown to mediate plasticity in neurons: GABA, progesterone and insulin. The exposure to 100 μM GABA differently affected the expression of GABA_AR subunits measured at both the mRNA and protein level, showing an increase of α1, β3, and γ2 subunits but no changes in δ subunit. Exposure of Jurkat cells to different stimuli produced different changes in subunit expression: 0.1 μM progesterone decreased δ and 0.5 μM insulin increased β3 subunits. To identify the mechanisms underlying plasticity, we evaluated the Akt pathway, which is involved in the phosphorylation of β subunits and receptor translocation to the membrane. A significant increase of phosphorylated Akt and on the expression of β3 subunit in membrane occurred in cells exposed 15 h to GABA. To determine if plastic changes are translated into functional changes, we performed whole cell recordings. After 15 h GABA-exposure, a significantly higher percentage of cells responded to GABA application when compared to 0 and 40 h exposure, thus indicating that the detected plastic changes may have a role in GABA-modulated lymphocyte function.     

异育银鲫GABAB受体1亚基cDNA部分序列的克隆及表达分析

为了确定γ-氨基丁酸B受体（gamma-aminobutyric acid B receptor,GABA_BR）基因在异育银鲫（Carassius auratus gibelio）不同组织中的表达,本实验分别对异育银鲫不同组织中GABA_BR1基因进行RT-PCR扩增,并进行了克隆和测序,在与GenBank基因库中已知GABA_BR1序列进行同源性比对的基础上采用邻接法构建系统发育树,并进一步分析其在异育银鲫不同组织内的表达水平。经克隆获得异育银鲫GABA_BR1基因CDS区序列383 bp,编码127个氨基酸。荧光定量PCR结果显示,GABA_BR1基因在异育银鲫脑、肝、肾、心、肠、鳔、鳃、肌、尾鳍、脾、卵巢、精巢组织中均有表达,且在不同组织中的表达水平由高到低依次是：脑>尾鳍>精巢>心、肠、鳔>卵巢、脾、鳃、肌>肝、肾。本研究证实了GABA_BR1基因在异育银鲫各组织中表达的广泛性,且有明显的组织特异性。     

Altered GABAA Receptor Expression and Seizure Threshold Following Acute Ethanol Challenge in Mice Lacking the RIIβ Subunit of PKA

Ethanol causes pathological changes in GABA_A receptor trafficking and function. These changes are mediated in part by ethanol activation of protein kinase A (PKA). The current study investigated the expression of the GABA_A α1 and α4 subunits and the kinase anchoring protein AKAP150, as well as bicuculline-induced seizure threshold, at baseline and following acute injection of ethanol (3.5 g/kg IP) in a mouse line lacking the regulatory RIIβ subunit of PKA. Whole cerebral cortices were harvested at baseline, 1 h, or 46 h following injection of ethanol or saline and subjected to fractionation and western blot analysis. Knockout (RIIβ?/?) mice had similar baseline levels of PKA RIIα and GABA_A α1 and α4 subunits compared to wild type (RIIβ+/+) littermates, but had deficits in AKAP150. GABA_A α1 subunit levels were decreased in the P2 fraction of RIIβ?/?, but not RIIβ+/+, mice following 1 h ethanol, an effect that was driven by decreased α1 expression in the synaptic fraction. GABA_A α4 subunits in the P2 fraction were not affected by 1 h ethanol; however, synaptic α4 subunit expression was increased in RIIβ+/+, but not RIIβ?/? mice, while extrasynaptic α4 and δ subunit expression were decreased in RIIβ?/?, but not RIIβ+/+ mice. Finally, RIIβ knockout was protective against bicuculline-induced seizure susceptibility. Overall, the results suggest that PKA has differential roles in regulating GABA_A receptor subunits. PKA may protect against ethanol-induced deficits in synaptic α1 and extrasynaptic α4 receptors, but may facilitate the increase of synaptic α4 receptors.