Gene expression and localization of GABAC receptors in neurons of the rat gastrointestinal tract

Abstract

The effects of GABA in the CNS are mediated by three different GABA receptors: GABAA, GABAB and GABAC receptors. GABAA and GABAB receptors, but not yet GABAC receptors, have been demonstrated in the enteric nervous system, where GABA has been proposed to be a transmitter. The purpose of this study was to determine whether GABAC receptors are present and thus may play a role in mediating the effects of GABA in the myenteric plexus of the rat gastrointestinal tract. We examined the expression of the three known GABAC receptor subunits, ρ1, ρ2 and ρ3, in the rat duodenum, ileum and colon using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. We determined the localization of GABAC receptors..