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 contain 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. Activation of GABAA receptors with the α2/α3-selective GABAA receptor agonist SL651498, but not the α5/α3 selective GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulator NS 11394 (Item No. 23872), suppresses cortical spreading depression, the underlying cause of migraine, in isolated chick retina.4 Point mutation of the histidine residue at position 101 (H101R) of the GABAA α2 subunit inhibits muscle relaxation and the anxiolytic-like effects of the benzodiazepine diazepam in mice.1 Expression of GABRA2, which encodes the α2 subunit isoform, is upregulated in ipsilateral, but not contralateral, perilesional tissue in a rat model of cortical ischemia-reperfusion injury.5 Cayman's GABAA Receptor α2 Subunit Polyclonal Antibody can be used for immunocytochemistry (ICC) and Western blot (WB) applications. The antibody recognizes the GABAA receptor α2 subunit at approximately 51 kDa from murine samples.WARNING This product is not for human or veterinary use.
