A steroid recognition site is functionally coupled to an expressed GABA(A)-benzodiazepine receptor.
Pregnane steroids, particularly 3 alpha-hydroxylated metabolites of progesterone, are known to have rapid and profound effects on brain excitability. Recent evidence suggests that the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA(A))-benzodiazepine receptor-Cl- ionophore complex may mediate these actions. The data further suggest that these steroids modulate the complex through a novel site independent of other known sites on the complex. The hypothesis that this site is on the GABA(A)-benzodiazepine receptor-Cl- ionophore complex is tested in the present study by determining its presence on transiently expressed GABAA-benzodiazepine receptors.
Lan
N C
NC
Division of Biological Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90033.
Chen
J S
JS
Belelli
D
D
Pritchett
D B
DB
Seeburg
P H
PH
Gee
K W
KW
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005260:Female; D005445:Flunitrazepam / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D011278:Pregnanes / Q000378:metabolism; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A / Q000378:metabolism*; D011987:Receptors, Steroid / Q000378:metabolism*
D011278:Pregnanes; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A; D011987:Receptors, Steroid; D005445:Flunitrazepam