GABA Neurons Survive Focal Ischemic Injury

Focal cerebral lesions in the rat brain induced by photothrombosis lead to an impaired inhibitory neurotransmission. A reduced GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) mediated inhibition has been revealed by electrophysiological recordings associated with a diminished immunostaining of GABA handling proteins. Changes were found in ipsi- as well as in contralateral brain areas. Inhibition is mediated by interneurons using GABA as neurotransmitter. These cells use GAD (glutamate decarboxylase) to synthesize GABA. To analyze the vulnerability of GABAergic neurons in rats with a lesioned hindlimb area, cells expressing GAD65…