Specific inhibition of α5 subunit-containing GABA < sub > A < /sub > receptors enhances locomotor activity and neuronal activity in the motor cortex

This study examined the effect of specific inhibition of α5 subunit-containing GABAA receptors (α5GABAAR) on the behavioral profile and neuronal activity of the CNS using a compound called L-655,708, which is a selective negative allosteric modulator of α5GABAAR. L-655,708 administration significantly increased locomotor activity without anxiety-related behavior. Furthermore, L-655,708 administration significantly increased c-Fos mRNA expression (a neuronal activity marker) in motor area of the cerebral cortex, whereas it hardly altered c-Fos mRNA expression in the sensory cortex, hippocampus, and spinal cord. This study revealed for the first time that alteration of neuronal activity with specific inhibition of α5GABAAR differs depending on each CNS region. α5GABAAR could be a potential target for modulating CNS excitability and behavioral activity.PMID:34092751 | DOI:10.2220/biomedres.42.103

Source: Biomed Res - June 7, 2021 Category: Research Authors: Takahiro Inoue Yasuyuki Takamatsu Misato Okamura Hiroki Mani Naoya Hasegawa Hiroshi Maejima Source Type: research