The expression of GABA(A) receptor alpha2 subunit is upregulated by testosterone in rat cerebral cortex

The GABAergic system is sexually dimorphic in certain brain regions and can be regulated by testosterone (T). However, the contribution of T to sex-specific developmental processes in the brain is less clear. We have examined whether T regulates expression of GABA(A) receptor alpha2 subunit in the cerebral cortex of embryonic and postnatal female rats using in situ hybridization and Western blotting. We found that both alpha2 mRNA and protein levels are significantly increased by T treatment at embryonic day 20 (E20) and birth (P0). The observed modulation of the expression of GABA(A) receptor alpha2 subunit by T may be translated into changes in the levels or composition of GABA(A) receptor, either of which would be expected to alter neuronal functional response to GABA activation. As the effects of T are developmental-stage-specific, they may have an organizational impact on brain development.