Altered atypical coupling of gamma-aminobutyrate type A receptor agonist and convulsant binding sites in subunit-deficient mouse lines

We searched for subunit correlations for GABA(A) receptor-associated atypic ally GABA-insensitive [S-35]TBPS binding. The homomeric beta3 subunit recep tors could be excluded, as GABA-insensitive [S-35]TBPS binding was present in beta3-/- mice. Localization of GABA-insensitive [S-35]TBPS binding corre lated best with those of delta, alpha4 and alpha6 subunit mRNAs. The amount s of GABA-insensitive [S-35]TBPS binding components were increased in delta -/- mice, but dramatically reduced in alpha6-/- mice, suggesting a role for alpha6 but excluding delta subunits. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All ri ghts reserved.