SENSORY CONDITIONING AND SENSORY STIMULATION DO NOT AFFECT GABA(A) RECEPTOR-BINDING IN THE BARREL FIELD OF MICE

The whisker-to-barrel system of adult mice was used in a study on the effects of short-lasting tactile stimulation and sensory conditioning training on GABA(A) receptor binding in the barrel field of somatosens ory cortex. In vitro receptor binding autoradiography was used to exam ine the pattern and intensity of [H-3]muscimol binding to GABA(A) rece ptors. A well-defined pattern of GABA(A) receptors in the barrel field remained unaffected after both procedures used. Also, no differences in intensity of GABA(A) receptor binding were observed. These results suggest that GABA(A) receptors are not involved in the plastic changes developing during sensory conditioning training.