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GABA(A)-receptor delta subunit knockout mice have multiple defects in behavioral responses to ethanol
R M Mihalek1, B J Bowers, J M Wehner
1Department of Anesthesiology/Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania 15261, USA.
Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research
|January 10, 2002
Summary
Mice lacking the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAR) delta subunit showed reduced alcohol consumption and withdrawal. This highlights the delta subunit's role in alcohol
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Genetics
Background:
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABARs) mediate alcohol (ethanol) behavioral effects.
- The specific roles of individual GABAR subunits in ethanol responses remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of the GABAR delta subunit in mediating behavioral responses to ethanol.
- To elucidate the contribution of the delta subunit to alcohol's effects.
Main Methods:
- Utilized gene knockout mice lacking the GABAR delta subunit (delta-/-).
- Assessed various ethanol-induced behavioral responses in delta-deficient and control mice.
Main Results:
- Delta-deficient mice exhibited reduced ethanol consumption compared to controls.
- Attenuated withdrawal symptoms from chronic ethanol exposure were observed in delta-/- mice.
- Reduced anticonvulsant effects of ethanol were noted in delta-deficient mice, while anxiolytic and hypothermic responses remained normal.
Conclusions:
- The GABAR delta subunit is implicated in specific behavioral effects of ethanol.
- Findings establish a clearer link between GABARs and alcohol-related behaviors.
- This study begins to define the delta subunit's specific role in ethanol's actions.
