GABA Receptor Function Research Articles

Selective Enhancement of the Interneuron Network and Gamma-Band Power via GluN2C/GluN2D NMDA Receptor Potentiation.

Interneuron dysfunction and diminished GABAergic inhibition in neocortical and hippocampal circuits remains a prominent molecular hypothesis for neuropsychiatric diseases including anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. Pharmacological agents that boost GABA receptor function have shown utility in various forms of depression and treating symptoms of schizophrenia. Cortical GABAergic interneurons, unlike their excitatory pyramidal cell counterparts, are enriched for the GluN2D subunit of the NMDA receptor. Thus, GluN2D subunit-selective modulation could be a useful therapeutic tool to enhance local inhibition, improving the prognosis for neuropsychiatric diseases for which interneuron dysfunction is prominent and causal to circuit aberration.

The Role of Extrasynaptic GABA Receptors in Postpartum Depression.

Postpartum depression is a serious disease with a high incidence and severe impact on pregnant women and infants, but its mechanism remains unclear. Recent studies have shown that GABA receptors, especially extrasynaptic receptors, are closely associated with postpartum depression. There are many different structures of GABA receptors, so different types of receptors have different functions, even though they transmit information primarily through GABA. In this review, we focus on the function of GABA receptors, especially extrasynaptic GABA receptors, and their association with postpartum depression. We have shown that the extrasynaptic GABA receptor has a significant impact on the activity and function of neurons through tonic inhibition. The extrasynaptic receptor and its ligands undergo drastic changes during pregnancy and childbirth. Abnormal changes or the body's inability to adjust and recover may be an important cause of postpartum depression. Finally, by reviewing the mechanisms of several novel antidepressants, we suggest that extrasynaptic receptors may be potential targets for the treatment of postpartum depression.

MicroRNA‐502‐3p regulates the GABAergic synapse function in Alzheimer’s disease

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is most common dementia in the aged individuals. Synapse dysfunction is the early event in the brain that initiate AD progression. Studies found the reduced inhibitory GABAergic synapse function in AD subjects.MethodsGlobal microRNA (miRNA) affymetrix analysis was performed on synaptosomal fractions from AD subjects and cognitively normal individuals. In silico analysis and luciferase assays were performed to confirm the miR‐502‐3p binding at the GABRA1 mRNA. MiR‐502‐3p agomiRs (overexpression) and antagomiRs (suppression) studies were performed on mouse primary hippocampal (HT22) neurons. The GABA receptor functions were accessed by electrophysiology studies using patch clamp analysis.ResultsOur global microRNA (miRNA) affymetrix study of synaptosomal fraction identified miR‐501‐3p/miR‐502‐3p as potential miRNAs. Data analysis showed the higher expression of miR‐502‐3p in the AD synapse relative to cognitively healthy synapse. On the other hand, Gamma‐Aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptor Subunit Alpha1 (GABRA1) levels were found to be reduced in AD synapse. In silico analysis and luciferase assay confirmed that miR‐502‐3p binds to multiple sites at the GABRA1 mRNA and suppresses its translation. In vitro studies using mouse primary hippocampal (HT22) neurons unveiled that miR‐502‐3p agomiRs (overexpression) decreased HT22 cell survival and antagomiRs (suppression) treated cells showed improved cell survival. qRT‐PCR, immunoblotting and immunostaining analysis conformed the reduced levels of GABRA1 by miR‐502‐3p overexpression, while suppression of miR‐502‐3p increases the GABRA1 protein levels. Further, electrophysiology studies using patch clamp analysis showed reduced GABA receptor functions and impaired chloride ion (Cl−) channel by over expression of miR‐502‐3p. On the other hand, reduced expression of miR‐502‐3p showed increased GABA receptor functions and Cl− influx into the cells.ConclusionOur initial observations confirmed that miR‐502‐3p modulate GABRA1 receptor functions. Therefore, miR‐502‐3p could be a therapeutic target to improve the GABAergic synapse function in AD.

Gabra5 plays a sexually dimorphic role in POMC neuron activity and glucose balance.

Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons are important for the regulation of body weight and glucose balance. The inhibitory tone to POMC neurons is mediated primarily by the GABA receptors. However, the detailed mechanisms and functions of GABA receptors are not well understood. The α5 subunit of GABAA receptor, Gabra5, is reported to regulate feeding, and we found that Gabra5 is highly expressed in POMC neurons. To explore the function of Gabra5 in POMC neurons, we knocked down Gabra5 specifically from mature hypothalamic POMC neurons using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 strategy. This POMC-specific knock-down of Gabra5 did not affect body weight or food intake in either male or female mice. Interestingly, the loss of Gabra5 caused significant increases in the firing frequency and resting membrane potential, and a decrease in the amplitude of the miniature inhibitory postsynaptic current (mIPSC) in male POMC neurons. However, the loss of Gabra5 only modestly decreased the frequency of mIPSC in female POMC neurons. Consistently, POMC-specific knock-down of Gabra5 significantly improved glucose tolerance in male mice but not in female mice. These results revealed a sexually dimorphic role of Gabra5 in POMC neuron activity and glucose balance, independent of body weight control.

1319-P: Gabra5 Plays a Sexually Dimorphic Role in POMC Neuron Activity and Glucose Balance

Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons are important for body weight and glucose balance. The inhibitory tone to POMC neurons is mediated primarily by GABA receptor complex. However, the detailed mechanisms and functions of GABA receptors are not well understood. We found that α5 subunit of GABA receptor complex, Gabra5, is highly expressed in POMC neurons. To explore the function of Gabra5 in POMC neurons, we deleted Gabra5 specifically from mature POMC neurons using the CRISPR-Cas9 strategy. Body weight and food intake were not affected in either male mice or female mice by the deletion of Gabra5 from POMC neurons. We found that the deletion of Gabra5 caused a significant increase in the firing frequency and rest membrane potential, and a decrease in the amplitude of mIPSC in male POMC neurons. However, the deletion of Gabra5 just modestly decreased the frequency of mIPSC in female POMC neurons. Consistently, loss of Gabra5 from POMC neurons significantly improved the glucose tolerance in male mice but not in female mice. These results revealed a sexually dimorphic role of Gabra5 in POMC neuron activity and glucose balance, independent of body weight control. Disclosure Z.Pei: None. Y.He: None. Y.He: None. Y.Xu: None. C.Wang: None. Funding National Institutes of Health (KDK119471)

Partial ablation of frontal cortical subplate leads to developmental abnormalities in KCC2 in the prefrontal cortex

During early brain development, the subplate relays thalamocortical afferents to the overlying cortex. Disconnection of thalamic inputs to the prefrontal cortex by lesions of the subplate of the developing prefrontal cortex at early neonatal periods result in adult-onset behavioral abnormalities reminiscent of positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. Delayed maturation of γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) function may contribute to certain abnormalities of the prefrontal cortex and clinical manifestations of schizophrenia. Lesions to the subplate have also been implicated in developmental abnormalities of GABA neurotransmission in somatosensory and visual cortices. Therefore, we sought to examine the effects of subplate lesions in the developing prefrontal cortex of rats on the expression of GABA markers [parvalbumin and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD67)] and proteins responsible for GABAergic synaptic maturation [potassium-chloride cotransporter (KCC2) and sodium‑potassium-chloride cotransporter (NKCC1)]. Lesioned and control rats were sacrificed between postnatal days (P) 5 and 90 and immunolabeled for parvalbumin, GAD67, KCC2, and NKCC1 in the prelimbic area of the prefrontal cortex. We found decreased immunoreactivity of KCC2 on neuronal cell membranes at P11 compared to control rats. However, the overall immunoreactivity of KCC2 and NKCC1 did not differ between lesion and control animals at all time points studied. Lesioned rats also showed decreased expression of parvalbumin, but not GAD67. Our results indicate that mechanisms underlying trafficking and membrane binding of KCC2 may contribute to altered GABA receptor function during development in schizophrenia.

Therapeutically leveraging GABAA receptors in cancer.

γ-aminobutyric acid or GABA is an amino acid that functionally acts as a neurotransmitter and is critical to neurotransmission. GABA is also a metabolite in the Krebs cycle. It is therefore unsurprising that GABA and its receptors are also present outside of the central nervous system, including in immune cells. This observation suggests that GABAergic signaling impacts events beyond brain function and possibly human health beyond neurological disorders. Indeed, GABA receptor subunits are expressed in pathological disease states, including in disparate cancers. The role that GABA and its receptors may play in cancer development and progression remains unclear. If, however, those cancers have functional GABA receptors that participate in GABAergic signaling, it raises an important question whether these signaling pathways might be targetable for therapeutic benefit. Herein we summarize the effects of modulating Type-A GABA receptor signaling in various cancers and highlight how Type-A GABA receptors could emerge as a novel therapeutic target in cancer.

Electroencephalography in Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Review.

Electroencephalography (EEG) can further out our understanding of autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) neurophysiology. Epilepsy and ASD comorbidity range between 5 and 46%, but its temporal relationship, causal mechanisms and interplay with intellectual disability are still unknown. Epileptiform discharges with or without seizures go as high as 60%, and associate with epileptic encephalopathies, conceptual term suggesting that epileptic activity can lead to cognitive and behavioral impairment beyond the underlying pathology. Seizures and ASD may be the result of similar mechanisms, such as abnormalities in GABAergic fibers or GABA receptor function. Epilepsy and ASD are caused by a number of genetic disorders and variations that induce such dysregulation. Similarly, initial epilepsy may influence synaptic plasticity and cortical connection, predisposing a growing brain to cognitive delays and behavioral abnormalities. The quantitative EEG techniques could be a useful tool in detecting and possibly measuring dysfunctions in specific brain regions and neuronal regulation in ASD. Power spectra analysis reveals a U-shaped pattern of power abnormalities, with excess power in the low and high frequency bands. These might be the consequence of a complicated network of neurochemical changes affecting the inhibitory GABAergic interneurons and their regulation of excitatory activity in pyramidal cells. EEG coherence studies of functional connectivity found general local over-connectivity and long-range under-connectivity between different brain areas. GABAergic interneuron growth and connections are presumably impaired in the prefrontal and temporal cortices in ASD, which is important for excitatory/inhibitory balance. Recent advances in quantitative EEG data analysis and well-known epilepsy ASD co-morbidity consistently indicate a role of aberrant GABAergic transmission that has consequences on neuronal organization and connectivity especially in the frontal cortex.

Фотохромная модуляция Цис-петельных рецептор-управляемых каналов

Advances in molecular and cellular biology, the development of chemical synthesis and modern technologies, enriched the modern experimental research with new directions, where the light plays a key role as a tool for modulating biological functions. One of them is photopharmacology, a field that uses chemically synthesized light-controlled compounds that can modulate the functions of proteins. When illuminated at specific wavelengths, these photochromic modules switch between active and inactive states and change functions of receptors, ion channels and enzymes. This review briefly describes compounds that modulate the functions of ionotropic Cys-loop receptors for acetylcholine, GABA, and glycine. The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is the first receptor-operated channel for which a way of modulation using light-dependent molecules has been discovered. In the 1970s - 80s, blockers and activators of nAChR were created, consisting of azobenzene (light-controlled switch) and agonists. In the current millennium, new compounds have been created to provide light-controlled modulation of nAChR activity. These new photochromes are selective to muscle and neuronal nAChR, and are promising to study the physiological role of nAChRs in the nervous system. An extensive library of photochromic compounds is available for light-controlling of GABA receptor function. Some of them modulate the activity via interaction with the agonist site, the others are light-regulated blockers of chloride-selective ion channels. Recently, the first two photochromic modulators of glycine receptor activity have also been developed. These achievements demonstrate that photopharmacology opens up unique possibilities for remote control of physiological functions, as well as for studying the processes of inhibition and excitation in neural networks and models of neuronal pathologies.

Important amino acids for function of the insect Rdl GABA receptor.

Insect Rdl GABA receptor is an important insecticide target. To design a novel insecticide, studies on the structures of homologous pentameric ligand-gated ion channels provide information about important amino acids that are necessary for the function of insect Rdl GABA receptors. L9'A, T12'A, T13'A, T13'S, M15'S, and M15'N mutations in the Drosophila Rdl GABA receptor subunit caused the protein to spontaneously adopt the open state conformation. In contrast, the S16'A, S16'T, S17'A, and S17'H mutant homomers showed the same levels of agonist and antagonist sensitivity as the wild-type receptor. The G336M mutation in the Drosophila Rdl GABA receptor abolished the agonist activities of ivermectin and milbemectin, but the F339M mutation did not. Additionally, the F339M mutation caused spontaneous opening of the receptor. In the Drosophila Rdl model, the hydrophobic girdle plays an important role in stabilization of the closed state. Mutations which decrease hydrophobic interactions resulted in spontaneous opening, supporting the importance of the hydrophobic girdle for keeping the channel closed. Through a mutational study of transmembrane 3 (TM3) cytoplasmic domain and Rdl GABA receptor modeling, hydrophobic interactions between TM3 and TM4 and intersubunit interaction were demonstrated to be important for channel gating. Alternatively, the intrasubunit interaction between TM2 and TM3 domains were less important for channel gating in case of Drosophila Rdl GABA receptor. This study demonstrates important amino acids critical to the function of the Drosophila Rdl GABA receptor based on the mutational studies and Drosophila Rdl GABA receptor modeling approach. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Molecular cloning and pharmacology of Min-UNC-49B, a GABA receptor from the southern root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita.

Root-knot nematodes are plant-parasitic nematodes that cause immense damage to a broad range of cultivated crops by forming root galls, resulting in yield losses in crops. To facilitate the development of faster-acting selective nematicides, we cloned three cDNAs encoding UNC-49B proteins from the southern root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita and examined their functional and pharmacological properties by two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology using a Xenopus oocyte expression system. The three cloned cDNAs encoded Min-UNC-49B, Min-UNC-49B-L and Min-UNC-49B-XL; the last two proteins have longer N-terminal regions than the first protein. When expressed in Xenopus oocytes, these proteins responded to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to activate currents with high-micromolar or low-millimolar half-maximal effective concentration (EC50 ) values, indicating the formation of functional homo-pentameric GABA receptors. Fipronil and picrotoxinin inhibited GABA-induced currents with high-nanomolar and low-micromolar half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) values, respectively, in oocytes expressing Min-UNC-49B. The G2'A and T6'M mutations in the second transmembrane domain of Min-UNC-49B enhanced and reduced the sensitivity of Min-UNC-49B to these two antagonists, respectively. Samaderine B and SF-14 inhibited GABA responses in oocytes expressing Min-UNC-49B with low-micromolar and high-nanomolar IC50 values, respectively. Ivermectin, α-terpineol, thymol and methyl eugenol exerted dual effects on Min-UNC-49B by potentiating currents induced by low concentrations of GABA and inhibiting currents induced by high concentrations of GABA. We have shown that structurally diverse compounds act at Min-UNC-49B GABA receptors. Our results may serve as a starting point to decipher the molecular function of native GABA receptors of plant-parasitic nematodes, which could aid in the structure-based design of novel nematicides. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Expression and Function of GABA Receptors in Myelinating Cells.

Myelin facilitates the fast transmission of nerve impulses and provides metabolic support to axons. Differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) and Schwann cell (SC) precursors is critical for myelination during development and myelin repair in demyelinating disorders. Myelination is tightly controlled by neuron-glia communication and requires the participation of a wide repertoire of signals, including neurotransmitters such as glutamate, ATP, adenosine, or γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS) and it is also present in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The composition and function of GABA receptors (GABARs) are well studied in neurons, while their nature and role in glial cells are still incipient. Recent studies demonstrate that GABA-mediated signaling mechanisms play relevant roles in OPC and SC precursor development and function, and stand out the implication of GABARs in oligodendrocyte (OL) and SC maturation and myelination. In this review, we highlight the evidence supporting the novel role of GABA with an emphasis on the molecular identity of the receptors expressed in these glial cells and the possible signaling pathways involved in their actions. GABAergic signaling in myelinating cells may have potential implications for developing novel reparative therapies in demyelinating diseases.

Riluzole ameliorates soluble Aβ1–42-induced impairments in spatial memory by modulating the glutamatergic/GABAergic balance in the dentate gyrus

Soluble amyloid beta (Aβ) is believed to contribute to cognitive deficits in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Increased soluble Aβ1–42 in the hippocampus is closely correlated with spatial learning and memory deficits in AD. Riluzole (RLZ), an FDA-approved drug for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), has beneficial effects for AD. However, the mechanism underlying the effects remains unclear. In this study, its neuroprotective effect against soluble Aβ1–42-induced spatial cognitive deficits in rats was assessed. We found that intrahippocampal injection of soluble Aβ1–42 impaired spatial cognitive function and suppressed long-term potentiation (LTP) of the DG region, which was relevant to soluble Aβ1–42-induced shift of the hippocampal excitation/inhibition balance toward excitation. Interestingly, RLZ ameliorated Aβ1–42-induced behavioral and LTP impairments through rescuing the soluble Aβ1–42-induced excitation/inhibition imbalance. RLZ attenuated Aβ1–42-mediated facilitation of excitatory synaptic transmission by facilitating glutamate reuptake and decreasing presynaptic glutamate release. Meanwhile, RLZ attenuated the suppression of inhibitory synaptic transmission caused by Aβ1–42 by potentiating postsynaptic GABA receptor function. These results suggest that RLZ exerts a neuroprotective effect against soluble Aβ1–42-related spatial cognitive deficits through rescuing the excitation/inhibition imbalance, and it could be a potential therapy for AD.

GABAA Receptors are Selectively Expressed in NG2 Glia of the Cerebellar White Matter

The cerebellum is involved in the coordination of movement. Its cellular composition is dominated by GABAergic neuronal types, and glial cells are known to express functional receptors. GABAergic signaling regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration during neurodevelopment. However, little is known about the functional expression of GABA receptors in the cerebellar white matter (WM). Thus, the aim of this study was to test whether glial cells express functional GABA receptors during postnatal development (P7–P9) of cerebellar WM. Immunofluorescence showed that half of the astrocytes express GAD67, suggesting that glial cells synthesize GABA. Calcium imaging in cerebellar slices revealed that GABA and the GABAA agonist muscimol evoked calcium transients in sulforhodamine B negative cells, whereas the GABAB agonist baclofen failed to evoke responses in cerebellar WM. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of GFAP+ cells showed dye coupling and a passive current–voltage relation typical of astrocytes. Surprisingly, these cells did not respond to muscimol. Two additional populations were identified as GFAP− cells. The first population showed dye coupling, slow decaying inward and outward currents with no voltage dependence, and did not respond to GABAA agonists. The second population showed an outward-rectifying current–voltage relationship and responded to muscimol, but dye coupling was absent. These cells received synaptic input and were NG2+, but evoked calcium waves failed to modulate the frequency of spontaneous postsynaptic currents (sPSCs) or signaling into NG2 glia. We conclude that GABAA receptor-mediated signaling is selective for NG2 glia in the WM of the cerebellum.

LRRTM4: A Novel Regulator of Presynaptic Inhibition and Ribbon Synapse Arrangements of Retinal Bipolar Cells

LRRTM4 is a transsynaptic adhesion protein regulating glutamatergic synapse assembly on dendrites of central neurons. In the mouse retina, we find that LRRTM4 is enriched at GABAergic synapses on axon terminals of rod bipolar cells (RBCs). Knockout of LRRTM4 reduces RBC axonal GABAA and GABAC receptor clustering and disrupts presynaptic inhibition onto RBC terminals. LRRTM4 removal also perturbs the stereotyped output synapse arrangement at RBC terminals. Synaptic ribbons are normally apposed to two distinct postsynaptic "dyad" partners, but in the absence of LRRTM4, "monad" and "triad" arrangements are also formed. RBCs from retinas deficient in GABA release also demonstrate dyad mis-arrangements but maintain LRRTM4 expression, suggesting that defects in dyad organization in the LRRTM4 knockout could originate from reduced GABA receptor function. LRRTM4 is thus a key synapse organizing molecule at RBC terminals, where it regulates function of GABAergic synapses and assembly of RBC synaptic dyads.

ГАМК, дефициты нейротрансмиттера глутамата при аутизме и их нейтрализация как новая гипотеза эффективной стратегии лечения

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by reduced social communication and repetitive behaviors. The etiological mechanisms of ASD are still unknown; however, the GABAergic system has received considerable attention due to its potential as a therapeutic target. Based on the fact that individuals with autism demonstrate altered gene expression concomitant with impaired blood brain barrier (BBB), and gut barrier integrities, so increased glutamate levels in the blood and platelets of ASD patients can be related to lower numbers of cerebellar GABAergic neurons, less active GABA-synthesizing enzymes, and decreased brain GABA levels. Excitotoxic levels of released glutamate trigger a cascade of deleterious cellular events leading to delayed neuronal death. According to our understanding of glutamate excitotoxicity, GABA supplementation could theoretically be useful to treat certain autistic phenotypes. While there is still no effective and safe medication for glutamate-related cell damage and death, combined efforts will hopefully develop better treatment options. Here I hypothesize that an integrated treatment strategy with GABA supplements, regulation of chloride (Cl-) and magnesium (Mg2+) levels, vitamin D supplements, probiotics to enhance GABAA receptor and glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) expression, and memantine to activate glutamate transporters and inhibit NMDA receptors, could collectively reduce glutamate levels, maintain functional GABA receptors and thus treat repetitive behavior, impaired social behavior, and seizure activity in individuals with autism.

The etiological contribution of GABAergic plasticity to the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain.

Neuropathic pain developing after peripheral or central nerve injury is the result of pathological changes generated through complex mechanisms. Disruption in the homeostasis of excitatory and inhibitory neurons within the central nervous system is a crucial factor in the formation of hyperalgesia or allodynia occurring with neuropathic pain. The central GABAergic pathway has received attention for its extensive distribution and function in neural circuits, including the generation and development of neuropathic pain. GABAergic inhibitory changes that occur in the interneurons along descending modulatory and nociceptive pathways in the central nervous system are believed to generate neuronal plasticity, such as synaptic plasticity or functional plasticity of the related genes or proteins, that is the foundation of persistent neuropathic pain. The primary GABAergic plasticity observed in neuropathic pain includes GABAergic synapse homo- and heterosynaptic plasticity, decreased synthesis of GABA, down-expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase and GABA transporter, abnormal expression of NKCC1 or KCC2, and disturbed function of GABA receptors. In this review, we describe possible mechanisms associated with GABAergic plasticity, such as central sensitization and GABAergic interneuron apoptosis, and the epigenetic etiologies of GABAergic plasticity in neuropathic pain. Moreover, we summarize potential therapeutic targets of GABAergic plasticity that may allow for successful relief of hyperalgesia from nerve injury. Finally, we compare the effects of the GABAergic system in neuropathic pain to other types of chronic pain to understand the contribution of GABAergic plasticity to neuropathic pain.

Evidence for functional GABAA but not GABAC receptors in mouse cone photoreceptors.

At the first retinal synapse, horizontal cells (HCs) contact both photoreceptor terminals and bipolar cell dendrites, modulating information transfer between these two cell types to enhance spatial contrast and mediate color opponency. The synaptic mechanisms through which these modulations occur are still debated. The initial hypothesis of a GABAergic feedback from HCs to cones has been challenged by pharmacological inconsistencies. Surround antagonism has been demonstrated to occur via a modulation of cone calcium channels through ephaptic signaling and pH changes in the synaptic cleft. GABAergic transmission between HCs and cones has been reported in some lower vertebrates, like the turtle and tiger salamander. In these reports, it was revealed that GABA is released from HCs through reverse transport and target GABA receptors are located at the cone terminals. In mammalian retinas, there is growing evidence that HCs can release GABA through conventional vesicular transmission, acting both on autaptic GABA receptors and on receptors expressed at the dendritic tips of the bipolar cells. The presence of GABA receptors on mammalian cone terminals remains equivocal. Here, we looked specifically for functional GABA receptors in mouse photoreceptors by recording in the whole-cell or amphotericin/gramicidin-perforated patch clamp configurations. Cones could be differentiated from rods through morphological criteria. Local GABA applications evoked a Cl- current in cones but not in rods. It was blocked by the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline methiodide and unaffected by the GABAC receptor antagonist TPMPA [(1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)methylphosphinic acid]. The voltage dependency of the current amplitude was as expected from a direct action of GABA on cone pedicles but not from an indirect modulation of cone currents following the activation of the GABA receptors of HCs. This supports a direct role of GABA released from HCs in the control of cone activity in the mouse retina.

A mutational and molecular dynamics study of the cys-loop GABA receptor Hco-UNC-49 from Haemonchus contortus: Agonist recognition in the nematode GABA receptor family

The UNC-49 receptor is a unique nematode γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-gated chloride channel that may prove to be a novel target for the development of nematocides. Here we have characterized various charged amino acid residues in and near the agonist binding site of the UNC-49 receptor from the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contorts. Utilizing the Caenorhabditis elegans GluCl crystal structure as a template, a model was generated and various charged residues [D83 (loop D), E131 (loop A), H137 (pre-loop E), R159 (Loop E), E185 (Loop B) and R241 (Loop C)] were investigated based on their location and conservation. These residues may contribute to structure, function, and molecular interactions with agonists. It was found that all residues chosen were important for receptor function to varying degrees. Results of the mutational analysis and molecular simulations suggest that R159 may be interacting with D83 by an ionic interaction that may be crucial for general GABA receptor function. We have used the results from this study as well as knowledge of residues involved in GABA receptor binding to identify sequence patterns that may assist in understanding the function of lesser known GABA receptor subunits from parasitic nematodes.

Electroacupuncture Improves Baroreflex and γ-Aminobutyric Acid Type B Receptor-Mediated Responses in the Nucleus Tractus Solitarii of Hypertensive Rats.

Electroacupuncture (EA) has been reported to benefit hypertension, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. We hypothesized that EA attenuates hypertension, in part, through modulation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor function in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS). In the present study, the long-term effect of EA on GABA receptor function and expression was examined in the NTS of two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) renovascular hypertensive rats. EA (0.1–0.4 mA, 2 and 15 Hz) was applied at Zusanli (ST36) acupoints overlying the deep fibular nerve for 30 min once a day for two weeks. The results showed that long-term EA treatment improved blood pressure (BP) and markedly restored the baroreflex response in 2K1C hypertensive rats. The increased pressor and depressor responses to microinjection of GABAB receptor agonist and antagonist into the NTS in the hypertensive rats were blunted by the EA treatment. Moreover, EA treatment attenuated the increased GABAB receptor expression in the NTS of hypertensive rats. In contrast, EA had no significant effect on the GABAA receptor function and expression in the NTS of 2K1C hypertensive rats. These findings suggest that the beneficial effects of EA on renovascular hypertension may be through modulation of functional GABAB receptors in the NTS.