Jin Zhe, Jin Yang, Birnir Bryndis
Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Sweden.
J Vis Exp. 2011 Jul 17(53):2858. doi: 10.3791/2858.
The GABA(A) channels are present in all neurons and are located both at synapses and outside of synapses where they generate phasic and tonic currents, respectively. The GABA(A) channel is a pentameric GABA-gated chloride channel. The channel subunits are grouped into 8 families (α1-6, β1-3, γ1-3, δ, ε, θ, π and ρ). Two alphas, two betas and one 3(rd) subunit form the functional channel. By combining studies of sub-type specific GABA-activated single-channel molecules with studies including all populations of GABA(A) channels in the neuron it becomes possible to understand the basic mechanism of neuronal inhibition and how it is modulated by pharmacological agents. We use the patch-clamp technique to study the functional properties of the GABA(A) channels in alive neurons in hippocampal brain slices and record the single-channel and whole-cell currents. We further examine how the channels are affected by different GABA concentrations, other drugs and intra and extracellular factors. For detailed theoretical and practical description of the patch-clamp method please see The Single-Channel Recordings edited by B Sakman and E Neher.
GABA(A)通道存在于所有神经元中，位于突触处和突触外，分别产生相位性和紧张性电流。GABA(A)通道是一种五聚体GABA门控氯离子通道。通道亚基分为8个家族（α1-6、β1-3、γ1-3、δ、ε、θ、π和ρ）。两个α亚基、两个β亚基和一个第三亚基形成功能性通道。通过将亚型特异性GABA激活的单通道分子研究与包括神经元中所有GABA(A)通道群体的研究相结合，就有可能了解神经元抑制的基本机制以及它是如何被药物调节的。我们使用膜片钳技术研究海马脑片活神经元中GABA(A)通道的功能特性，并记录单通道和全细胞电流。我们进一步研究通道如何受到不同GABA浓度、其他药物以及细胞内和细胞外因素的影响。有关膜片钳方法的详细理论和实际描述，请参阅B·萨克曼和E·内赫尔编辑的《单通道记录》。
