GABA Receptor Decrease Causes Network Dysfunction in Rat Organotypic Hippocampal Slice Cultures

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, which respond to the inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA, may be decreased following a moderate blast traumatic brain injury. The decrease of GABA receptors may contribute to subsequent network dysfunction in the electrophysiological signals from rat organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. We will characterize the network dysfunction following a level 4 blast injury, quantify the decrease in GABA receptors, and try to attenuate the suspected GABA receptor decrease using pharmacological agents.