The rat beta 1-subunit of the GABAA receptor forms a picrotoxin-sensitive anion channel open in the absence of GABA |
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| Authors: | E Sigel R Baur P Malherbe H M?hler |
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| Institution: | Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Switzerland. |
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| Abstract: | The structural basis of GABA-gated chloride channels in mammalian brain is presently explored by the functional expression of cDNAs coding for the alpha, beta or gamma-subunits of the receptor and their isoforms. In this context, we expressed the cloned cDNA coding for the rat beta 1-subunit of the GABAA receptor in the Xenopus oocyte. Surprisingly, efficient expression of a functional ion channel was found. The channel was anion-selective, and able to open in the absence of GABA. Since this channel could be shunt by the GABA-channel blocker picrotoxin, we conclude that the beta 1-subunit of the GABAA receptor is sufficient to form binding sites for picrotoxin. |
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