Altered markers of tonic inhibition in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of subjects with schizophrenia.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Cognitive impairments in schizophrenia are associated with lower expression of markers of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) synthesis in the prefrontal cortex. The effects of GABA are mediated by GABA(A) receptors that mediate either phasic or tonic inhibition. The authors assessed the expression of GABA(A) receptor alpha4 and delta subunits, which coassemble to form receptors mediating tonic inhibition, in schizophrenia.

Method

The authors used in situ hybridization to quantify expression patterns of GABA(A) receptor alpha4 and delta subunits in prefrontal cortex from 23 matched pairs of schizophrenia and comparison subjects.

Results

Levels of delta mRNA were significantly lower in schizophrenia subjects regardless of medication use, whereas alpha4 mRNA levels

SUBMITTER: Maldonado-Aviles JG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2887737 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature