Glutamate and GABA concentrations in the cerebellum of novel ataxic mutant Pogo mice

Abstract

The Pogo mouse is an autosomal recessive ataxic mutant that arose spontaneously in the inbred KJR/MsKist strain derived originally from Korean wild mice. The ataxic phenotype is characterized by difficulty in maintaining posture and side to side stability, faulty coordination between limbs and trunk, and the consequent inability to walk straight. In the present study, the cerebellar concentrations of glutamate and GABA were analyzed, since glutamate is a most prevalent excitatory neurotransmitter whereas gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is one of the most abundant inhibitory neurotransmitters, which may be the main neurotransmitters related with the ataxia and epilepsy. The concentration of glutamate of cerebellum decreased significantly in ataxic mutant Pogo mouse compared to those of control mouse. However, GABA concentration was not decrease. These results suggested that the decrease in glutamate concentration may contribute to ataxia in mutant Pogo mouse.