Canine distemper virus induces downregulation of GABA A, GABA B , and GAT1 expression in brain tissue of dogs

AbstractThe aim of the study was to determine the expression profiles ofGABAA,GABAB, andGAT1 using RT-PCR and the immunoreactivity ofGAT1 via immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence assays in CDV-infected brain tissue of dogs. For this purpose, dogs with CDV and dogs without CDV were selected. The mRNA transcript levels ofGABAA,GABAB, andGAT1 were significantly downregulated in brain tissue in the CDV-infected group as compared with that in non-CDV-infected brain tissue in the control group (p< 0.01,p< 0.001). In addition, the immunoreactivity of GAT1 in CDV-infected brain tissue was significantly lower than in the uninfected group (p< 0.05). We conclude that one of the main causes of myoclonus in CDV infections may be the blockage of postsynaptic inhibition in neurons or a lack of metabolism of GABA. In addition, a GABA neurotransmission imbalance could play a role in demyelination in CDV infections.Graphic abstract

Source: Archives of Virology - April 5, 2020 Category: Virology Source Type: research