The chicken GABAA receptor α1 subunit: cDNA sequence and localization of the corresponding mRNA

Abstract

We report the sequence of a complementary DNA (cDNA) that encodes the chicken GABAA receptor α1 subunit, which is extremely homologous to mammalian α1 subunits. The distribution of α1 subunit transcripts is shown to correlate mainly, but not completely, with the previously-reported pattern of benzodiazepine type I (BZI) binding sites in the avian brain. These results suggest that the α1 subunit may not necessarily be restricted to receptors having BZI pharmacology. © 1991.