Reduced basal GABA concentrations in the rat amygdala during pregnancy

Physiology & Behavior
Brian J Young, Christian J Cook

Abstract

Marked increases in anxiety-like responses to stress occur during pregnancy. Considerable evidence indicates that the basolateral region of the amygdala (BLA) plays an important role in mediating these types of responses. Given the crucial inhibitory influence of GABA on excitatory glutamatergic activity in the BLA, we hypothesized that decreased GABAergic activity in this region may underlie the increased anxiety associated with pregnancy. In vivo microdialysis was used to sample extracellular GABA before and after 30 min of restraint stress. While there was no detectable effect of restraint on extracellular GABA concentrations, basal GABA levels were significantly decreased in pregnant rats compared with either virgin females or males. We suggest that the alterations in anxiety-like behavior that occur during pregnancy may be associated with decreased basal GABA in the BLA.

References

May 1, 1994·Trends in Neurosciences·M DavisM Cassell
Jan 1, 1994·Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews·G B GlavinR Murison
Aug 1, 1993·Physiology & Behavior·O Picazo, A Fernández-Guasti
Jan 1, 1993·Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior·A SmolenP C Han
Dec 1, 1995·Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior·S K Sanders, A Shekhar
Jun 1, 1992·Behavioural Pharmacology·S. Green, A.L. Vale
Apr 3, 2001·Physiology & Behavior·M Viérin, M F Bouissou
Apr 13, 2001·European Journal of Pharmacology·M R LaconiR J Cabrera
Oct 11, 2001·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·W KrezelP F Chapman
Jan 27, 2004·Physiology & Behavior·Brian J Young, Christian J Cook

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Jul 31, 2014·Journal of Neuroendocrinology·J S LonsteinI D Neumann
Apr 9, 2009·Journal of Pharmacological Sciences·Ranji CuiHiroaki Araki
Mar 4, 2008·Yakugaku zasshi : Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan·Ranji CuiHiroaki Araki

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Amygdala and Midbrain Dopamine

The midbrain dopamine system is widely studied for its involvement in emotional and motivational behavior. Some of these neurons receive information from the amygdala and project throughout the cortex. When the circuit and transmission of dopamine is disrupted symptoms may present. Here is the latest research on the amygdala and midbrain dopamine.

Amygdala: Sensory Processes

Amygdalae, nuclei clusters located in the temporal lobe of the brain, play a role in memory, emotional responses, and decision-making. Here is the latest research on sensory processes in the amygdala.