The expression of GABAA receptor subunits in the substantia nigra is developmentally regulated and region-specific

J. Velíšková, H. Kubová, L. K. Friedman, R. Wu, E. F. Sperber, R. S. Zukin, S. L. Moshé

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

The substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNR) controls the spread of seizures. GABAAergic drug (agonist or antagonist) infusions into the SNR have age-specific and site-specific effects on flurothyl-induced seizures. Developmental and cell-specific regulation of GABAA receptor subunit expression may be responsible for these specific effects. To test this hypothesis, in situ hybridization was used to examine regional expression of α1 and γ2L GABAA receptor subunit mRNAs in the SNR during development. Distinct temporal and spatial patterns of expression were observed. In rats at postnatal days (PN) 21-60, fewer neurons were labeled with probes directed to α1 and γ2L subunits in SNRanterior compared with SNRposterior. In addition, neurons in SNRanterior contained higher amounts of hybridization grains than in SNRposterior. In PN 15 rats, the labeling of neurons was relatively diffuse throughout the anterior and posterior SNR regions with moderate amounts of hybridization grains for both subunits. The finding of age-related differential distribution of α1 and γ2L subunit mRNAs in the SNR suggests that GABAA receptor heterogeneity may play a role in the age-specific and site-specific effects of GABAAergic agents on seizures in the SNR.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)205-210
Number of pages6
JournalItalian Journal of Neurological Sciences
Volume19
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1998

Keywords

  • Development
  • Epilepsy
  • GABA receptor subunits
  • Substantia nigra

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience
  • Clinical Neurology

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