Abstract
Using in situ hybridization, RNase protection assay and Western blot, we studied the effects of ethanol on the expression levels of GABA B receptor mRNA and protein in the cortex and hippocampus from adult rat brain. The results showed that ethanol significantly increased GABA B1 and GABA B2 receptor protein expression in the cortex, whereas only GABA B2 was increased in the hippocampus. GABA B receptor agonist baclofen could partially reverse the effect of ethanol. Further studies of the mRNA levels defined that GABA B1 mRNA levels were significantly increased in the hippocampus, with no significant changes of GABA B2 mRNA levels. Moreover, GABA B1 and GABA B2 receptor mRNA levels were increased on 3-week ethanol treatment. Finally, GABA B agonist baclofen and antagonist phaclofen showed significant decreasing effects on GABA B1 receptor mRNA levels in the cortex, but not in the hippocampus. These results were further confirmed by in situ hybridization. Thus, the present results showed the effects of ethanol on GABA B receptors in the cortex and hippocampus, implying the possible role of GABA B receptor in ethanol effects. The effects of GABA B receptor agonist and antagonist suggested that the possible mechanisms underlying that GABA B receptor modulated the behavioral effect induced by ethanol.
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