Pharmacology, distribution, cellular localization, and development of GABA B binding in rodent cerebellum

Abstract

Quantitative receptor autoradiography using [ 3H]GABA under selective conditions was used to characterize the pharmacology, distribution, cellular localization, and development of GABA B binding sites in rodent cerebellum. Pharmacologic analysis of [ 3H]GABA binding showed that drugs active at GABA B receptors displaced [ 3H]GABA with the following order of potency: 3-aminopropylphosphonous acid>CGP35348 = 2-hydroxysaclofen>phaclofen. GTP-γ-S and GDP-β-S also diminished potently [ 3H]GABA binding in a dose-dependent manner. The pattern of [ 3H]GABA binding to GABA B binding sites was systematically mapped throughout the rat cerebellum. GABA B binding was greatest in the molecular layer and a pattern of parasagittal zonation was observed in the molecular layer of lobules VII–X in adult rats. The cellular localization of GABA B binding was investigated using lesion techniques. Neither methyl azoxymethanol lesions of cerebellar granule cells nor 3-acetylpyridine lesions of climbing fibers resulted in a decrease in [ 3H]GABA binding. Homozygote stumbler mutant mice, deficient in Purkinje cell dendrites, had a significant decrease in [ 3H]GABA binding in the molecular layer. These results suggest that the majority of cerebellar molecular layer GABA B binding sites detected by [ 3H]GABA autoradiography are located on Purkinje cell dendrites. Examination of [ 3H]GABA binding to GABA B binding sites during development revealed that binding in the molecular layer peaks between postnatal day 14 and postnatal day 28 and then decreases to adult levels. Transient expression of high levels of GABA B binding was observed in the deep cerebellar nuclei, peaking at postnatal day 3 and decreasing to adult levels by postnatal day 21. Our investigation of GABA B pharmacology yielded data in agreement with previously reported results. We have described a parasagittal pattern of GABA B binding in the cerebellar molecular layer and assigned the majority of cerebellar GABA B binding sites to Purkinje cell dendrites. Finally, development studies reveal transient peaks in GABA B binding in the cerebellar molecular layer and deep cerebellar nuclei.