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Updated: Aug 15, 2025

Generation of Local CA1 γ Oscillations by Tetanic Stimulation
Published on: August 14, 2015
Gamma Oscillations and Potassium Channel Modulation in Schizophrenia: Targeting GABAergic Dysfunction
Stephen J Kaar1,2,3, Judith F Nottage4, Ilinca Angelescu1,5
1Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
Abstract:
Impairments in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAergic) interneuron function lead to gamma power abnormalities and are thought to underlie symptoms in people with schizophrenia. Voltage-gated potassium 3.1 (Kv3.1) and 3.2 (Kv3.2) channels on GABAergic interneurons are critical to the generation of gamma oscillations suggesting that targeting Kv3.1/3.2 could augment GABAergic function and modulate gamma oscillation generation. Here, we studied the effect of a novel potassium Kv3.1/3.2 channel modulator, AUT00206, on resting state frontal gamma power in people with schizophrenia. We found a significant positive correlation between frontal resting gamma (35-45 Hz) power (n = 22, r = 0.613, P < .002) and positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) positive symptom severity. We also found a significant reduction in frontal gamma power (t13 = 3.635, P = .003) from baseline in patients who received AUT00206. This provides initial evidence that the Kv3.1/3.2 potassium channel modulator, AUT00206, may address gamma oscillation abnormalities in schizophrenia.
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