ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: In this study we investigated the expression of GABAA receptor subunits during brain development. These receptors may change in the embryonic chick forebrain. MATERIALS AND METHODES: The expression levels of four types of GABAA receptor gamma subunits (γ1, γ2, γ3 and γ4) were quantified in the embryonic chick forebrain at 32 hr, 3, 7, 14, and 20 days of incubation and day one after hatching. The expression level of mRNA in the forebrain of embryonic chicken was measured using real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS: The expression level of each subunit increased gradually with development and reached a plateau on 20th day of embryonic development. A reduction was observed on day one after hatching in all gamma subunits. CONCLUSION: This may explain the different physiological and pharmacological function of GABA receptor gamma subunits before and after hatching.