GABAA receptors are ligand-gated chloride channels that mediate the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in the CNS.1,2 They are postsynaptic heteropentameric receptors that contains protein subunits from the following isoforms: α1-6, β1-4, γ1-3, δ, ε, π, θ, and ρ1-3, arranged around a central pore. Phasic inhibitory synaptic transmission is regulated by α1β2γ2 subunit-containing GABAA receptors, the major isoform found in the brain.2,3 The α subunit of GABAA receptors interfaces with a β subunit to form the GABA binding site that initiates GABA-induced action potentials and forms the benzodiazepine binding site with the γ subunit. The GABAA receptor α4 subunit is found at high levels in the thalamus and hippocampal dentate gyrus, with moderate levels in the cortex and low levels in other brain regions.4 Knockdown of Gabrar4, which encodes the α4 subunit isoform, inhibits tonic inhibition in thalamic relay neurons and prevents sedative effects induced by the GABAA receptor agonist gaboxadol (Item No. 16355) or ethanol in mice. Gabrar4 knockout also inhibits the development of tolerance in a rat model of chronic intermittent ethanol administration.5 Cayman's GABAA Receptor α4 Subunit Polyclonal Antibody can be used for immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot (WB) applications. The antibody recognizes the GABAA receptor α4 subunit at approximately 64 kDa from mouse and rat samples.WARNING This product is not for human or veterinary use.
