γ-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) binding to brain-specific high-affinity sites is well-established and proposed to explain both physiological and pharmacological actions. However, the mechanistic links between these lines of data are unknown.
To identify molecular targets for specific GHB high-affinity binding, we undertook photolinking studies combined with proteomic analyses and identified several GABAA receptor subunits as possible candidates.
A subsequent functional screening of various recombinant GABAA receptors in Xenopus laevis oocytes using the two-electrode voltage clamp technique showed GHB to be a partial agonist at αβδ- but not αβγ-receptors, proving that the δ-subunit is essential for potency and efficacy.
GHB showed preference for α4 over α(1,2,6)-subunits and preferably activated α4β1δ (EC50 = 140 nM) over α4β(2/3)δ (EC50 = 8.41/1.03 mM).
Introduction of a mutation, α4F71L, in α4β1(δ)-receptors completely abolished GHB but not GABA function, indicating nonidentical binding sites.
Radioligand binding studies using the specific GHB radioligand [3H](E,RS)-(6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5-hydroxy-5H-benzocyclohept-6-ylidene)acetic acid showed a 39% reduction (P = 0.0056) in the number of binding sites in α4 KO brain tissue compared with WT controls, corroborating the direct involvement of the α4-subunit in high-affinity GHB binding.
Our data link specific GHB forebrain binding sites with α4-containing GABAA receptors and postulate a role for extrasynaptic α4δ-containing GABAA receptors in GHB pharmacology and physiology.
This finding will aid in elucidating the molecular mechanisms behind the proposed function of GHB as a neurotransmitter and its unique therapeutic effects in narcolepsy and alcoholism.
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