Altered Expression of the δ Subunit of the GABAAReceptor in a Mouse Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2877-04.2004
• Publication Date: 2004-09-29T18:23:02Z
• Authors: Zechun Peng; Christine S. Huang; Brandon M. Stell; Istvan Mody; Carolyn R. Houser
• Keywords: Pilocarpine

δ Subunit-containing GABA A receptors are located predominantly at nonsynaptic sites in the dentate gyrus where they may play important roles controlling neuronal excitability through tonic inhibition and responses to spillover. Immunohistochemical methods were used determine whether subunit expression was altered after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus C57BL/6 mice ways that could increase of gyrus. In pilocarpine-treated animals, normal diffuse labeling molecular layer decreased by 4 d (latent period) remained low throughout period chronic seizures. contrast, α4 γ2 subunits, potentially interrelated receptor increased during period. Interestingly, many interneurons progressively pilocarpine treatment. Consistent with observed changes labeling, physiological studies revealed slices obtained from demonstrated concentrations neurosteroid tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone less effective reducing animals than controls. The findings support idea alterations subunit-containing both principal cells contribute seizure susceptibility hippocampal formation a temporal lobe epilepsy model.