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Effects of GABA agonists on body temperature regulation in GABA B(1) −/− mice
Author(s) -
Quéva Christophe,
BremnerDanielsen Marianne,
Edlund Anders,
Jonas Ekstrand A,
Elg Susanne,
Erickson Sven,
Johansson Thore,
Lehmann Anders,
Mattsson Jan P
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
british journal of pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.432
H-Index - 211
eISSN - 1476-5381
pISSN - 0007-1188
DOI - 10.1038/sj.bjp.0705447
Subject(s) - muscimol , gabaa receptor , gabab receptor , agonist , receptor , gabaergic , medicine , endocrinology , gaba receptor , gamma aminobutyric acid , chemistry , knockout mouse , hypothermia , biology , pharmacology , biochemistry
Activation of GABA B receptors evokes hypothermia in wildtype ( GABA B(1) +/+ ) but not in GABA B receptor knockout ( GABA B(1) −/− ) mice. The aim of the present study was to determine the hypothermic and behavioural effects of the putative GABA B receptor agonist γ ‐hydroxybutyrate (GHB), and of the GABA A receptor agonist muscimol. In addition, basal body temperature was determined in GABA B(1) +/+ , GABA B(1) +/− and GABA B(1) −/− mice.GABA B(1) −/− mice were generated by homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells. Correct gene targeting was assessed by Southern blotting, PCR and Western blotting. GABA B receptor‐binding sites were quantified with radioligand binding. Measurement of body temperature was done using subcutaneous temperature‐sensitive chips, and behavioural changes after drug administration were scored according to a semiquantitative scale.GABA B(1) −/− mice had a short lifespan, probably caused by generalised seizure activity. No histopathological or blood chemistry changes were seen, but the expression of GABA B(2) receptor protein was below the detection limit in brains from GABA B(1) −/− mice, in the absence of changes in mRNA levels. GABA B receptor‐binding sites were absent in brain membranes from GABA B(1) −/− mice.GABA B(1) −/− mice were hypothermic by approximately 1°C compared to GABA B(1) +/+ and GABA B(1) +/− mice. Injection of baclofen (9.6 mg kg −1 ) produced a large reduction in body temperature and behavioural effects in GABA B(1) +/+ and in GABA B(1) +/− mice, but GABA B(1) −/− mice were unaffected. The same pattern was seen after administration of GHB (400 mg kg −1 ). The GABA A receptor agonist muscimol (2 mg kg −1 ), on the other hand, produced a more pronounced hypothermia in GABA B(1) −/− mice. In GABA B(1) +/+ and GABA B(1) +/− mice, muscimol induced sedation and reduced locomotor activity. However, when given to GABA B(1) −/− mice, muscimol triggered periods of intense jumping and wild running. It is concluded that hypothermia should be added to the characteristics of the GABA B(1) −/− phenotype. Using this model, GHB was shown to be a selective GABA B receptor agonist. In addition, GABA B(1) −/− mice are hypersensitive to GABA A receptor stimulation, indicating that GABA B tone normally balances GABA A ‐mediated effects.British Journal of Pharmacology (2003) 140 , 315–322. doi: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0705447