Functional Consequences of GABA_AReceptor α4 Subunit Deletion on Synaptic and Extrasynaptic Currents in Mouse Dentate Granule Cells

Abstract

These data suggest that the global loss of alpha 4 subunits leads to region- and cell location-specific compensatory increases in gamma 2 subunits, which in turn alter the pharmacological sensitivity of synaptic and extrasynaptic GABA(A)R-currents. Our data also suggests that while enhancement of tonic inhibitory currents by gaboxadol, alphaxalone, and EtOH are reduced, and behavioral sensitivity to gaboxadol and alphaxalone may be reduced, compensatory changes in synaptic GABA(A)R subunits may prevent similar reductions in behavioral sensitivity to EtOH.