Gabapentin increases expression of δ subunit-containing GABA_A receptors.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Gabapentin is a structural analog of the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Its anticonvulsant, analgesic and anxiolytic properties suggest that it increases GABAergic inhibition; however, the molecular basis for these effects is unknown as gabapentin does not directly modify GABA type A (GABA_A) receptor function, nor does it modify synaptic inhibition. Here, we postulated that gabapentin increases expression of δ subunit-containing GABA_A (δGABA_A) receptors that generate a tonic inhibitory conductance in multiple brain regions including the cerebellum and hippocampus.

Methods

Cell-surface biotinylation, Western blotting, electrophysiologic recordings, behavioral assays, high-performance liquid chromatography an

SUBMITTER: Yu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6491385 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature