Cerebellum-Specific Deletion of the GABA_A Receptor δ Subunit Leads to Sex-Specific Disruption of Behavior.

ABSTRACT: Granule cells (GCs) of the cerebellar input layer express high-affinity δ GABA_A subunit-containing GABA_A receptors (δGABA_ARs) that respond to ambient GABA levels and context-dependent neuromodulators like steroids. We find that GC-specific deletion of δGABA_A (cerebellar [cb] δ knockout [KO]) decreases tonic inhibition, makes GCs hyperexcitable, and in turn, leads to differential activation of cb output regions as well as many cortical and subcortical brain areas involved in cognition, anxiety-like behaviors, and the stress response. Cb δ KO mice display deficits in many behaviors, but motor function is normal. Strikingly, δGABA_A deletion alters maternal behavior as well as spontaneous, stress-related, and social behaviors specifically

SUBMITTER: Rudolph S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7700496 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature