Behavior and Physiology of Mice Lacking the GABA_A‐Receptor δ Subunit

Abstract

Faster decay of evoked IPSPs and mIPSCs is consistent with altered GABA(A)R subunit composition in the delta mutants, but suggests predominant extrasynaptic delta subunit location in the dentate gyrus of normal mice. Faster-decaying IPSPs likely contribute to the proepileptic phenotype of the delta mutants. Reduced neurosteroid sensitivity might also contribute to seizure susceptibility. It remains to be determined whether delta subunit-containing GABA(A)Rs represent the actual target of neurosteroids or whether the behavioral and physiologic sensitivity to neurosteroids is indirectly altered in the delta-/- mice.