Neurosyphilis complicated by anti-γ-aminobutyric acid-B receptor encephalitis: A case report

BACKGROUND Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum that can invade the central nervous system,causing encephalitis.Few cases of anti-N-methyl-Daspartate receptor autoimmune encephalitis(AE)secondary to neurosyphilis have been reported.We report a neurosyphilis patient with anti-γ-aminobutyric acid-B receptor(GABABR)AE.CASE SUMMARY A young man in his 30s who presented with acute epileptic status was admitted to a local hospital.He was diagnosed with neurosyphilis,according to serum and cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)tests for syphilis.After 14 d of antiepileptic treatment and anti-Treponema pallidum therapy with penicillin,epilepsy was controlled but serious cognitive impairment,behavioral,and serious psychiatric symptoms were observed.He was then transferred to our hospital.The Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE)crude test results showed only 2 points.Cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed significant cerebral atrophy and multiple fluidattenuated inversion recovery high signals in the white matter surrounding both lateral ventricles,left amygdala and bilateral thalami.Anti-GABABR antibodies were discovered in CSF(1:3.2)and serum(1:100).The patient was diagnosed with neurosyphilis complicated by anti-GABABR AE,and received methylprednisolone and penicillin.Following treatment,his mental symptoms were alleviated.Cognitive impairment was significantly improved,with a MMSE of 8 points.Serum anti-GABABR antibody titer decreased to 1:32.The patient received methylprednisolone and penicillin after discharge.Three months later,the patient’s condition was stable,but the serum anti-GABABR antibody titer was 1:100.CONCLUSION This patient with neurosyphilis combined with anti-GABABR encephalitis benefited from immunotherapy.

Cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia patients caused by downregulation of γ-aminobutyric acid receptor subunits

BACKGROUND The expression pattern of gamma aminobutyric acid(GABA)receptor subunits are commonly altered in patients with schizophrenia,which may lead to nerve excitation/inhibition problems,affecting cognition,emotion,and behavior.AIM To explore GABA receptor expression and its relationship with schizophrenia and to provide insights into more effective treatments.METHODS This case-control study enrolled 126 patients with schizophrenia treated at our hospital and 126 healthy volunteers who underwent physical examinations at our hospital during the same period.The expression levels of the GABA receptor subunits were detected using 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy.The recognized cognitive battery tool,the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery,was used to evaluate the scores for various dimensions of cognitive function.The correlation between GABA receptor subunit downregulation and schizophrenia was also analyzed.RESULTS Significant differences in GABA receptor subunit levels were found between the case and control groups(P<0.05).A significant difference was also found between the case and control groups in terms of cognitive function measures,including attention/alertness and learning ability(P<0.05).Specifically,as the expression levels of GABRA1(α1 subunit gene),GABRB2(β2 subunit gene),GABRD(δsubunit),and GABRE(εsubunit)decreased,the severity of the patients’condition increased gradually,indicating a positive correlation between the downregulation of these 4 receptor subunits and schizophrenia(P<0.05).However,the expression levels of GABRA5(α5 subunit gene)and GABRA6(α6 subunit gene)showed no significant correlation with schizophrenia(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Downregulation of the GABA receptor subunits is positively correlated with schizophrenia.In other words,when GABA receptor subunits are downregulated in patients,cognitive impairment becomes more severe.

γ-Aminobutyric acid alleviates litchi thaumatin-like protein-induced inflammation and reduces gut microbial translocation

Previous research reported litchi thaumatin-like protein(LcTLP)could lead to inflammation,which is a factor causing the adverse reactions after excessive intake of litchi.As a main amino acid in litchi pulp,γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA)was found with anti-inflammatory effect.Therefore,this study aimed to investigate the effects of GABA on LcTLP-induced inflammation through RAW264.7 macrophages and C57BL mice models.In vitro study showed GABA could effectively regulate the level of inflammatory cytokines(interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,IL-10,and prostaglandin E2)and Ca2+in cells,and inhibit the phosphorylation of p65,IκB,p38,c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)and extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK).These results indicate GABA alleviated inflammation through nuclear factor-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway signaling pathways.In vivo experiment was performed to verify the anti-inflammatory effect of GABA,and the results demonstrated that GABA reduced the inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver of LcTLP-treated mice,as it down-regulated the pro-inflammatory cytokines,malondialdehyde,aspartate transferase,and alanine transaminase.The relative expression of phosphorylated p38,JNK and ERK in mice liver with GABA treatment were reduced to 65%,39%and 80%of the control group,respectively.Furthermore,GABA treatment enriched probiotic bacteria and decreased pathogenic bacteria in mice gut,which reveals GABA could effectively reduce the translocation of gut microbiota.

Effects ofγ-aminobutyric Acid on Nitrogen Metabolism in Roots and Leaves of Cold-stressed Rice(Oryza sativa L.)During Early Vegetative Growth

Cold stress adversely affects rice growth,particularly at the early vegetative growth stage.In higher plants,nitrogen metabolism plays a central role in amino acid metabolism,plant defense mechanisms and productivity.This report investigated the effects of cold stress and supplementalγ-aminobutyric acid(GABA)under cold stress on nitrogen metabolism in rice seedlings.Cold stress resulted in a greater increase in the transformation to NH_(4)^(+)by nitrate reductase(NR)in roots,it further resulted in lower levels of NO_(3)^(-)content in roots,weakened glutamine glutamate(GOGAT/GS)pathway and elevated glutamate dehydrogenase(GDH)pathway of rice seedlings.Whereas,compared with cold stress,supplementation of GABA(2.5 mmol·L^(-1))could increase relative water content(79.43%)and biomass(34.15%)of rice seedlings.GABA could act as an amplifier of stress signal conduction/transduction to increase NR activity and promote NO_(3)^(-)assimilation in leaves.In addition,GABA elicited the Ca^(2+)signaling pathway which could promote the GDH pathway and GABA shunt,increase the activities of GS and GDH,and the expression of OsGAD2 and OsGDH family.The GABA might increase the ratio of the Glu family and avoid NH4+toxicity in order to raise the concentration of organic compounds and alleviate the harmful consequences of cold stress.Based on these observations,this study proposed that GABA mediated cold tolerance in rice seedlings by activating Ca^(2+)burst and subsequent crosstalk among Ca^(2+)signaling,GDH pathway and GABA shunt.

Evolution of neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid,glutamate and their receptors

Gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA)and glutamate are two important amino acid neurotransmitters widely present in the nervous systems of mammals,insects,round worm,and platyhelminths,while their receptors are quite diversified across different animal phyla.However,the evolutionary mechanisms between the two conserved neurotransmitters and their diversified receptors remain elusive,and antagonistic interactions between GABA and glutamate signal transduction systems,in particular,have begun to attract significant attention.In this review,we summarize the extant results on the origin and evolution of GABA and glutamate,as well as their receptors,and analyze possible evolutionary processes and phylogenetic relationships of various GABAs and glutamate receptors.We further discuss the evolutionary history of Excitatory/Neutral Amino Acid Transporter(EAAT),a transport protein,which plays an important role in the GABA-glutamate“yin and yang”balanced regulation.Finally,based on current advances,we propose several potential directions of future research.

Effect of propofol on the reactivity of acetylcholinesterase,N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors,and gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors in the hippocampus of aged rats after chronic cerebral ischemia

We induced ischemic brain injury in aging rats to examine the effects of varying doses of propofol on hippocampal activities of acetylcholinesterase, N-methyI-D-aspartate receptors, and y-aminobutyric acid receptors. Propofol exhibited no obvious impact on acetylcholinesterase activity, but directly activated the y-aminobutyric acid receptor. The neuroprotective function of propofol on the hippocampus of aging rats following cerebral ischemic injury may be related to altered activities of y-aminobutyric acid receptors and N-methyI-D-aspartate receptors.

Electroacupuncture (EA) Speeds Up the Regulation of Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Axis Dysfunction in Acute Surgical Trauma Rats: Mediated by Hypothalamic Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)_AReceptors

Hypothalamic Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) directly activates the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis (HPA axis) during the surgical trauma induced stress response. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been demonstrated to have stress relieving effects in breast surgery, colorectal surgery, prostatectomy and craniotomy. This study was aimed to investigate the hypothesis that EA could regulate hypothalamic CRF in surgical trauma rats. In experiment one, Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats were divided into intact, model (10% partial hepatectomy), sham EA and EA group. Rats from the Sham EA and EA group were stimulated at ST36-Zusanli and SP6-Sanyiniiao acupoints twice, 24 hours before the surgery and immediately after the surgery. Expressions of hypothalamic CRF and CRFR, GABA receptors, glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and Corticosterone (CORT) were observed at 2, 4, 8 and 24 h after the surgery by radioimmunoassay (RIA), western blot, real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. In the experiment two, SD male rats were divided into the intact, model, model + vehicle, model + L-838,417 EA and EA + L838,417 group. It was found that hypothalamus CRF, serum ACTH and CORT levels were increased in model group compared with the intact group, and those in the EA group decreased in comparison with the model group. Compared with the model group, hypothalamus-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor Aα3 mRNA and protein expressions of the EA group raised strikingly. In conclusion, EA alleviated surgical stress response by improving the GABA synthesis in hypothalamus, thus enhancing GABA receptors’ inhibitory regulation of the HPA axis dysfunction in rats with acute surgical trauma.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptors in Alzheimer＇s disease： highly localized remodeling of a complex and diverse signaling pathway

Alzheimer＇s disease （AD）, the predominant form of dementia, is a chronic, incurable neurodegenerative disorder presenting with symptoms includ- ing progressive memory loss and disturbed emotional state. It has been estimated that dementia affects over 47 million people worldwide （Prince et al., 2015）, and with 60-80% of cases attributable to AD.

Evolution of neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid, glutamate and their receptors

Gamma-aminobutyric acid （GABA） and glutamate are two important amino acid neurotransmitters widely present in the nervous systems of mammals, insects, round worm, and platyhelminths, while their receptors are quite diversified across different animal phyla. However, the evolutionary mechanisms between the two conserved neurotransmitters and their diversified receptors remain elusive, and antagonistic interactions between GABA and glutamate signal transduction systems, in particular, have began to attract significant attention. In this review, we summarize the extant results on the origin and evolution of GABA and glutamate, as well as their receptors, and analyze possible evolutionary processes and phylogenetic relationships of various GABAs and glutamate receptors. We further discuss the evolutionary history of Excitatory/Neutral Amino Acid Transporter （EAAT）, a transport protein, which plays an important role in the GABA-glutamate ＂yin and yang＂ balanced regulation. Finally, based on current advances, we propose several potential directions of future research.

Effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors on muscarinic receptor-mediated free calcium ion levels in the facial nucleus following facial nerve injury

Muscarinic receptors and nicotine receptors can increase free calcium ion levels in the facial nucleus via different channels following facial nerve injury. In addition, γ-aminobutyric acid A （GABAA） receptors have been shown to negatively regulate free calcium ion levels in the facial nucleus by inhibiting nicotine receptors. The present study investigated the influence of GABAA, γ-aminobutyric acid B （GABAB） and C （GABAc） receptors on muscarinic receptors in rats with facial nerve injury by confocal laser microscopy. GABAA and GABAB receptors exhibited significant dose-dependent inhibitory effects on increased muscarinic receptor-mediated free calcium ion levels following facial nerve injury. Results showed that GABAA and GABAB receptors negatively regulate muscarinic receptor effects and interplay with cholinergic receptors to regulate free calcium ion levels for facial neural regeneration.

Bile acids inhibit ferroptosis sensitivity through activating farnesoid X receptor in gastric cancer cells

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is associated with high mortality rates.Bile acids(BAs)reflux is a well-known risk factor for GC,but the specific mechanism remains unclear.During GC development in both humans and animals,BAs serve as signaling molecules that induce metabolic reprogramming.This confers additional cancer phenotypes,including ferroptosis sensitivity.Ferroptosis is a novel mode of cell death characterized by lipid peroxidation that contributes universally to malignant progression.However,it is not fully defined if BAs can influence GC progression by modulating ferroptosis.AIM To reveal the mechanism of BAs regulation in ferroptosis of GC cells.METHODS In this study,we treated GC cells with various stimuli and evaluated the effect of BAs on the sensitivity to ferroptosis.We used gain and loss of function assays to examine the impacts of farnesoid X receptor(FXR)and BTB and CNC homology 1(BACH1)overexpression and knockdown to obtain further insights into the molecular mechanism involved.RESULTS Our data suggested that BAs could reverse erastin-induced ferroptosis in GC cells.This effect correlated with increased glutathione(GSH)concentrations,a reduced GSH to oxidized GSH ratio,and higher GSH peroxidase 4(GPX4)expression levels.Subsequently,we confirmed that BAs exerted these effects by activating FXR,which markedly increased the expression of GSH synthetase and GPX4.Notably,BACH1 was detected as an essential intermediate molecule in the promotion of GSH synthesis by BAs and FXR.Finally,our results suggested that FXR could significantly promote GC cell proliferation,which may be closely related to its anti-ferroptosis effect.CONCLUSION This study revealed for the first time that BAs could inhibit ferroptosis sensitivity through the FXR-BACH1-GSHGPX4 axis in GC cells.This work provided new insights into the mechanism associated with BA-mediated promotion of GC and may help identify potential therapeutic targets for GC patients with BAs reflux.

Oleanolic acid improved intestinal immune function by activating and potentiating bile acids receptor signaling in E. coli-challenged piglets

Background Infection with pathogenic bacteria during nonantibiotic breeding is one of the main causes of animal intestinal diseases.Oleanolic acid(OA)is a pentacyclic triterpene that is ubiquitous in plants.Our previous work demonstrated the protective effect of OA on intestinal health,but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear.This study investigated whether dietary supplementation with OA can prevent diarrhea and intestinal immune dysregulation caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli(ETEC)in piglets.The key molecular role of bile acid receptor signaling in this process has also been explored.Results Our results demonstrated that OA supplementation alleviated the disturbance of bile acid metabolism in ETEC-infected piglets(P<0.05).OA supplementation stabilized the composition of the bile acid pool in piglets by regulating the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids and significantly increased the contents of UDCA and CDCA in the ileum and cecum(P<0.05).This may also explain why OA can maintain the stability of the intestinal microbiota structure in ETEC-challenged piglets.In addition,as a natural ligand of bile acid receptors,OA can reduce the severity of intestinal inflammation and enhance the strength of intestinal epithelial cell antimicrobial programs through the bile acid receptors TGR5 and FXR(P<0.05).Specifically,OA inhibited NF-κB-mediated intestinal inflammation by directly activating TGR5 and its downstream c AMP-PKA-CREB signaling pathway(P<0.05).Furthermore,OA enhanced CDCA-mediated MEK-ERK signaling in intestinal epithelial cells by upregulating the expression of FXR(P<0.05),thereby upregulating the expression of endogenous defense molecules in intestinal epithelial cells.Conclusions In conclusion,our findings suggest that OA-mediated regulation of bile acid metabolism plays an important role in the innate immune response,which provides a new diet-based intervention for intestinal diseases caused by pathogenic bacterial infections in piglets.

Bile acids and their receptors: Potential therapeutic targets in inflammatory bowel disease

Chronic and recurrent inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract caused by a complex interplay between genetics and intestinal dysbiosis are called inflammatory bowel disease.As a result of the interaction between the liver and the gut microbiota,bile acids are an atypical class of steroids produced in mammals and traditionally known for their function in food absorption.With the development of genomics and metabolomics,more and more data suggest that the pathophysiological mechanisms of inflammatory bowel disease are regulated by bile acids and their receptors.Bile acids operate as signalling molecules by activating a variety of bile acid receptors that impact intestinal flora,epithelial barrier function,and intestinal immunology.Inflammatory bowel disease can be treated in new ways by using these potential molecules.This paper mainly discusses the increasing function of bile acids and their receptors in inflammatory bowel disease and their prospective therapeutic applications.In addition,we explore bile acid metabolism and the interaction of bile acids and the gut microbiota.

Expression of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor α_2 subunit in the dorsal root ganglion of rats with sciatic nerve injury

The γ-aminobutyric acid neurotransmitter in the spinal cord dorsal horn plays an important role in pain modulation through primary afferent-mediated presynaptic inhibition. The weakening of γ-aminobutyric acid-mediated presynaptic inhibition may be an important cause of neuropathic pain. γ-aminobutyric acid-mediated presynaptic inhibition is related to the current strength of γ-aminobutyric acid A receptor activation. In view of this, the whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used here to record the change in muscimol activated current of dorsal root ganglion neurons in a chronic constriction injury model. Results found that damage in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons following application of muscimol caused concentration-dependent activation of current, and compared with the sham group, its current strength and γ-aminobutyric acid A receptor protein expression decreased. Immunofluorescence revealed that γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor α2 subunit protein expression decreased and was most obvious at 12 and 15 days after modeling. Our experimental findings confirmed that the y-aminobutyric acid type A receptor α2 subunit in the chronic constriction injury model rat dorsal root ganglion was downregulated, which may be one of the reasons for the reduction of injury in dorsal root ganglion neurons following muscimol-activated currents.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid promotes human hepatocellular carcinoma growth through overexpressed gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor α3 subunit

AIM:To investigate the expression pattern of gamma-aminobutyric acid A(GABAA) receptors in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and indicate the relationship among gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA),gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor α3 subunit(GABRA3) and HCC.METHODS:HCC cell line Chang,HepG2,normal liver cell line L-02 and 8 samples of HCC tissues and paired non-cancerous tissues were analyzed with semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR) for the expression of GABAA receptors.HepG2 cells were treated with gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA) at serial concentrations(0,1,10,20,40 and 60 μmol/L),and their proliferating abilities were analyzed with the 3-(4,5-methylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay,cell doubling time test,colon formation assay,cell cycle analysis and tumor planted in nude mice.Small interfering RNA was used for knocking down the endogenous GABRA3 in HepG2.Proliferating abilities of these cells treated with or without GABA were analyzed.RESULTS:We identified the overexpression of GABRA3 in HCC cells.Knockdown of endogenous GABRA3 expression in HepG2 attenuated HCC cell growth,suggesting its role in HCC cell viability.We determined the in vitro and in vivo effect of GABA in the proliferation of GABRA3-positive cell lines,and found that GABA increased HCC growth in a dose-dependent manner.Notably,the addition of GABA into the cell culture medium promoted the proliferation of GABRA3-expressing HepG2 cells,but not GABRA3-knockdown HepG2 cells.This means that GABA stimulates HepG2 cell growth through GABRA3.CONCLUSION:GABA and GABRA3 play important roles in HCC development and progression and can be a promising molecular target for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for HCC.

Effects of Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii extracts on gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor alpha 1 subunit brain expression during development in a recurrent seizure rat model

Extracts from Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii （Grassleaf Sweetflag Rhizome, Shichangpu） have been shown to improve learning and memory, reduce anxiety, allay excitement, and suppress seizures. Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii extracts interact with y-aminobutyric acid and activate the y-aminobutyric acid type A receptor, although few studies have addressed the precise effects of v-aminobutyric acid type A receptor al subunit. In the present study, y-aminobutyric acid type A receptor al subunit protein expression in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, and pathological scores of brain injury, were significantly greater following recurrent seizures, but significantly decreased following treatment with Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii extracts. These results indicated that Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii extracts down-regulated y-aminobutyric acid type A receptor al subunit protein expression in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus and protected seizure-induced brain injury during development.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit expression in rat spiral ganglion neurons

BACKGROUND： Gamma-aminobutyric acid A （GABAA） and N-methyl-D-aspartate （NMDA） receptors are significant receptors in the central nervous system. An understanding of GABAA and NMDA receptor expression in spiral ganglion neurons （SGN） provides information for the functional role of these receptors in the auditory system. OBJECTIVE： To investigate mRNA expression of GABAA receptor （GABAAR） and NMDA receptor （NMDAR） subunits in the rat SGN. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： This in vitro, molecular biological study was performed at the Laboratory of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Guangxi Medical University, China from July 2007 to May 2008. MATERIALS： Reverse Transcriptase Kit and Taq DNA polymerase were purchased from Fermentas Burlington, ON, Canada; GABAAR and NMDAR primers were purchased from Shanghai Sangon, Shanghai, China. METHODS： SGN from 3-5 day postnatal Wistar rats was collected for primary cultures, mRNA expression of GABAAR and NMDAR subunits in the SGN was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Expression levels of GABAAR and NMDAR subunits were determined by quantitative analysis. RESULTS： GABAAR subunits （αl 6, β1 3, and y1 3） and NMDAR subunits （NR1, NR2A, NR2B, NR2C, NR2D, NR3A, and NR3B） were detected in the SGN. In α subunit genes of GABAAR, α1 and α3 expression was similar （P 〉 0.05） and greater than the other subunits. Of the β subunit genes, β1 subunit mRNA levels were greater than β2 and β3. Of the y subunit genes, y2 subunit mRNA levels were greater than y1 and y3. NR1 mRNA expression was the greatest of NMDAR subunits. CONCLUSION： GABAAR subunits （α1 6, β1-3, and y1-3） and NMDAR subunits （NR1, NR2A, NR2B, NR2C, NR2D, NR3A, and NR3B） were expressed in the rat SGN. Through comparison of GABAAR and NMDAR subunit expression, possible GABAAR combinations, as well as highly expressed subunit combinations, were estimated, which provided information for pharmacological and electrophysiological characteristics of GABAAR in the auditory system.

Expression of gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor subunits aα_1,β_1,γ_2 mRNA in rats with hepatic encephalopathy

AIM To investigate the mRNA expression of gammaaminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptor subunits α1,β1, γ2in different parts of the brain of rats with hepaticencephalopathy.METHODS: Twelve adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups: (1) hepatic encephalopathy model group (n = 6), which was induced by intraperitoneal injection of thioacetamide (TAA, 350 mg/kg) for threeconsecutive days; (2) control group (n = 6), in which the rats were treated with same dose of normal saline solution. After the freeze slice of cerebrum was made,in situ hybridization was used to detect the mRNA of GABAA receptor subunits α1, β1, and γ2 in rat cerebral cortex, basal nuclei, substantia nigra and hippocampi. Image data were collected and analyzed quantitatively by QWin550CWmodel image signal gather and analysis system. RESULTS: In rats with hepatic encephalopathy, mRNA expression levels of GABAA receptor subunits α1, β1 increased significantly in basal nuclei, substantia nigra pars compacta, substantia nigra pars reticularis and hippocampi (144.7±15.67/184.14±4.41, 60.61±33.66/113.07±32.44,87.71± 21.25/128.40±18.85, 122.34±5.56/161.60±4.56,123.29±5.21/140.65±4.15, 123.40±4.42/140.09±4.52,124.76±4.18/140.09±4.12, 141.62±15.09/182.80 ±5.20,69.13±30.74/134.21±43.76, 87.87±25.16/151.01±19.49,122.14±6.30/162.33±3.92, 122.81±5.09/137.19±7.12,123.00±4.63/138.11±5.92, 125.75 ±2.43/138.81±6.10,P＜0.01), but did not change in the cerebral cortex compared to the control group. Similar changes were found in the mRNA expression levels of GABAA receptor subunit γ2,which increased significantly in basal nuclei, substantia nigra pars compacta, substantia nigra pars reticularis (136.81±26.41/167.97±16.23, 51.00±36.14/113.18±36.52, 86.35±20.30/126.90±19.74, P＜0.01), CA1 of hippocampal (162.15±9.05/178.62±6.45, P＜0.05), and no changes were found in the cerebral cortex and CA2, CA3, CA4 of hippocampi.CONCLUSION: In rats with hepatic encephalopathy, mRNA expression levels of GABAA receptor subunits α1,β1, γ2 increase significantly in basal nuclei, substantia nigra and hippocampi, suggesting that the changes of mRNA expression levels in GABAA receptor subunits may contribute to the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy.

Silencing gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor alpha 1 subunit expression and outward potassium current in developing cortical neurons

We used RNA interference （RNAi） to disrupt synthesis of the cortical neuronal y-aminobutyric acid A receptor （GABAAR） al in rats during development, and measured outward K＋ currents during neuronal electrical activity using whole-cell patch-clamp techniques. Three pairs of small interfering RNA （siRNA） for GABAAR al subunit were designed using OligoEngine RNAi software. This siRNA was found to effectively inhibited GABAAR al mRNA expression in cortical neuronal culture in vitro, but did not significantly affect neuronal survival. Outward K^currents were decreased, indicating that GABAAR al subunits in developing neurons participate in neuronal function by regulating outward K＋ current.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor gamma 2 subunit following Mg-free-induced seizures in cultured developing neurons

BACKGROUND： Studies have demonstrated that in vitro cultured cortical neurons from embryonic rats can produce spontaneous recurrent epileptiform discharges following transient Mg^2＋-free extracellular solution culture. OBJECTIVE： To explore gammaminobutyric acid A receptor （GABAAR）γ 2 subunit expression following Mg^2＋-free-induced seizures in cultured developing neurons. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Cellular and molecular biology. The in vitro experiment was performed at the Department of Pediatrics, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central Southern University between January 2007 and February 2008. MATERIALS： Cortical neurons of Wistar rats on gestational days 16-17 were used. Normal extracellular solution （pH 7.3） consisted of NaCl 145 mmol/L, KCl 2.5 mmol/L, HEPES l0 mmol/L, MgC12 1 mmol/L, CaC12 2 mmol/L, glucose 10 mmol/L, and glycine 0.01 mmol/L. In addition, there was no MgCl2 in the Mg^2＋-free extracellular solution. METHODS： Cortical neurons cultured for 6 days were exposed to normal extracellular solution （control group） and Mg^2＋-free media （Mg^2＋-free group） respectively for 3 hours, followed by continuous culture in DMEM solution. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： On days 1, 7 and 12 after Mg^2＋-free treatment, real-time RT-PCR, immunochemistry, and flow cytometry were used to detect GABAAR 3/2 subunit expression. RESULTS： Compared with the control group, GABAAR γ-positive cells decreased significantly on days 1 and 7 after Mg^2＋-free treatment （P 〈 0.01）, but significantly increased on day 12 （P 〈 0.01 ）. GABAAR γ2 subunit mRNA expression decreased significantly at 7 days Mg^2＋-free treatment when measured by real-time RT-PCR compared with the control group （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： GABAAR γ2 subunit expression is modified following Mg-free-induced seizures in cultured developing neurons. This indicates the possibility that abnormal GABAA receptor expression might play an important role in development of neuronal injury.