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Abstract:
An increase in the activity of brain stem locus coeruleus noradrenergic neurons has been hypothesised to be a major factor accounting for opiate withdrawal symptoms. These neurons are under GABAergic inhibition. Their GABAA receptors have unique pharmacological properties, most likely due to the enriched expression of GABAA receptor subtypes containing novel ∊ and θ subunits. Using in situ hybridisation of cryostat sections, we now report a significant increase in the ∊ subunit mRNA expression after precipitation of opioid withdrawal by naloxone. Similar changes were detected in tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA expression. The results suggest increased formation of unique GABAA receptor subtype(s) in the locus coeruleus neurons during increased neuronal activity.
