GABA_A Receptor α₂ Subunit Polyclonal Antibody

GABA_A 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: α_1-6, β_1-4, γ_1-3, δ, ε, π, θ, and ρ_1-3, arranged around a central pore. Phasic inhibitory synaptic transmission is regulated by α₁β₂γ₂ subunit-containing GABA_A receptors, the major isoform found in the brain.^2,3 The α subunit of GABA_A 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 GABA_A receptors with the α₂/α₃-selective GABA_A receptor agonist SL651498, but not the α₅/α₃ selective GABA_A 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 GABA_A 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 GABA_A Receptor α₂ Subunit Polyclonal Antibody can be used for immunocytochemistry (ICC) and Western blot (WB) applications. The antibody recognizes the GABA_A receptor α₂ subunit at approximately 51 kDa from murine samples.

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1. Crestani, F., and Rudolph, U. Behavioral functions of GABA_A receptor subtypes - the Zurich experience. Diversity and Functions of GABA receptors: A tribute to Hanns Möhler, part A 37-51 (2015).

2. Hirose, S. Mutant GABA_A receptor subunits in genetic (idiopathic) epilepsy. Genetics of epilepsy 55-85 (2014).

3. Wongsamitkul, N., Maldifassi, M.C., Simeone, X., et al. α subunits in GABA_A receptors are dispensable for GABA and diazepam action. Sci. Rep. 7(1), 15498 (2017).

4. Wang, M., Li, Y., and Lin, Y. GABA_A receptor α2 subtype activation suppresses retinal spreading depression. Neuroscience 298, 137-144 (2015).

5. Neumann-Haefelin, T., Bosse, F., Redecker, C., et al. Upregulation of GABA_A-receptor α1- and α2-subunit mRNAs following ischemic cortical lesions in rats. Brain Res. 816(1), 234-237 (1999).