α4βδ GABA receptors are high-affinity targets for γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB)
Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
γ-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) binding to brain-specific high-affinity sites is well-established and proposed to explain both physiological and pharmacological actions. However, the mechanistic links between these lines of data are unknown. To identify molecular targets for specific GHB high-affinity binding, we undertook photolinking studies combined with proteomic analyses and identified several GABA receptor subunits as possible candidates. A subsequent functional screening of various recombinant GABA receptors in Xenopus laevis oocytes using the two-electrode voltage clamp technique showed GHB to be a partial agonist at αβδ- but not αβγ-receptors, proving that the δ-subunit is essential for potency and efficacy. GHB showed preference for α4 over α(1,2,6)-subunits and preferably activated α4β1δ (EC = 140 nM) over α4β(2/3)δ (EC = 8.41/1.03 mM). Introduction of a mutation, α4F71L, in α4β 1(δ)-receptors completely abolished GHB but not GABA function, indicating nonidentical binding sites. Radioligand binding studies using the specific GHB radioligand [ H](E,RS)-(6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5-hydroxy-5H- benzocyclohept-6-ylidene)acetic acid showed a 39% reduction (P = 0.0056) in the number of binding sites in α4 KO brain tissue compared with WT controls, corroborating the direct involvement of the α4-subunit in high-affinity GHB binding. Our data link specific GHB forebrain binding sites with α4-containing GABA receptors and postulate a role for extrasynaptic α4β-containing GABA receptors in GHB pharmacology and physiology. This finding will aid in elucidating the molecular mechanisms behind the proposed function of GHB as a neurotransmitter and its unique therapeutic effects in narcolepsy and alcoholism.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Journal | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA (PNAS) |
Volume | 109 |
Issue number | 33 |
Pages (from-to) | 13404-13409 |
Number of pages | 6 |
ISSN | 0027-8424 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 14 Aug 2012 |
Bibliographical note
Keywords: gamma-hydroxybutyric acid receptor, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid high-affinity binding sites, alpha4-subunit knockout, photoaffinity ligand
ID: 38405483