Flumazenil selectively prevents the increase in alpha(4)-subunit gene expression and an associated change in GABA(A) receptor function induced by ethanol withdrawal

• Published in: Journal of neurochemistry Vol. 102; no. 3; p. 657
• Main Authors: Biggio, Francesca, Gorini, Giorgio, Caria, Stefania, Murru, Luca, Sanna, Enrico, Follesa, Paolo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.08.2007
• Subjects: Acetamides - pharmacology; Alcohol-Induced Disorders, Nervous System - drug therapy; Alcohol-Induced Disorders, Nervous System - genetics; Alcohol-Induced Disorders, Nervous System - metabolism; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Anticonvulsants - pharmacology; Cells, Cultured; Central Nervous System Depressants - adverse effects; Drug Interactions - physiology; Drug Tolerance - physiology; Ethanol - adverse effects; Flumazenil - pharmacology; GABA Modulators - pharmacology; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid - metabolism; Gene Expression Regulation - drug effects; Gene Expression Regulation - genetics; Neuronal Plasticity - drug effects; Neuronal Plasticity - genetics; Patch-Clamp Techniques; Protein Subunits - genetics; Protein Subunits - metabolism; Pyrimidines - pharmacology; Rats; Receptors, GABA-A - genetics; Receptors, GABA-A - metabolism; Substance Withdrawal Syndrome - drug therapy; Substance Withdrawal Syndrome - genetics; Substance Withdrawal Syndrome - metabolism; Up-Regulation - drug effects; Up-Regulation - genetics

The actions of ethanol on gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A)) receptors are still highly controversial issues but it appears that some of its pharmacological effects may depend on receptor subunit composition. Prolonged ethanol exposure produces tolerance and dependence and its withdrawal alter...