Selective changes of GABA A channel infunit mRNAs in the hippocampus and orbitofrontal cortex but not in prefrontal cortex of human alcoholics

Abstract

Alcohol dependence is a common chronic relapsing disorder. The development of alcohol dependence has been associated with changes in brain GABAa channel-mediated neurotransmission and plasticity. We have examined mRNA expression of the GABAa channel infunit genes in three brain regions in individuals with or without alcohol dependence using quantitative real-time PCR assay. The levels of selective GABA A channel infunit mRNAs were altered in specific brain regions in alcoholic infjects. Significant increase in the α1, α4, α5, β1, and γ1 infunit mRNAs in the hippo campal dentate gyrus region, and decrease in the β2 and γ infunit mRNAs in the orbit of rontal cortex were identified whereas no changes in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex were detected. The data increase our understanding of the role of GABA A channels in the development of alcohol dependence. © 2012 Jin, Bazov, Kononenko, Korpi, Bakalkin and Birnir.