Enhanced learning and memory in GAT1 heterozygous mice

Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai). 2012 Apr;44(4):359-66. doi: 10.1093/abbs/gms005. Epub 2012 Feb 7.

Abstract

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. The termination of GABA transmission is through the action of a family of membrane proteins, called GABA transporters (GAT1-4). It is well established that GABA system is involved in the modulation of memory. Our previous study showed that homozygous GAT1(-/-) mice exhibited impaired hippocampus-dependent learning and memory. To evaluate the impact of endogenous reduced GABA reuptake on mice cognitive behaviors, the ability of learning and memory of heterozygous GAT1(+/-) mice was detected by the passive avoidance paradigm and Morris water maze. The hole board paradigm was also used to measure changes in anxiety-related behavior or exploratory behavior in such mice. As one form of synaptic plasticity, long-term potentiation was recorded in the mouse hippocampal CA1 area. We found that GAT1(+/-) mice displayed increased learning and memory, decreased anxiety-like behaviors, and highest synaptic plasticity compared with wild-type and homozygous GAT1(-/-) mice. Our results suggest that a moderate reduction in GAT1 activity causes the enhancement of learning and memory in mice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Avoidance Learning / physiology
  • CA1 Region, Hippocampal / physiology
  • Exploratory Behavior / physiology*
  • GABA Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics
  • GABA Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / physiology*
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Heterozygote
  • Learning / physiology*
  • Long-Term Potentiation / physiology
  • Male
  • Maze Learning / physiology
  • Memory / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology

Substances

  • GABA Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins