IMMUNODETECTION OF THE LARGE FORM OF THE GAMMA(2) SUBUNIT OF MAMMALIAN GABA(A) RECEPTOR

Two forms of the GABA(A) receptor gamma(2)-subunit, named short (gamma (2S)) and long (gamma(2L)), and generated by alternative RNA splicing, have been identified in mammalian brain by molecular cloning techniqu es. We have produced antibodies against a synthetic peptide containing the 8-amino acid insertion present in the long form but not in the sh ort one. Using the antipeptide serum, we have identified the gamma(2L) subunit in membrane preparations of GABA(A) receptors from rat and mo use cerebellum and its cellular location in cerebellum.