expression of α1 and α4 subunits. The mIPSC frequency is also slightly decreased, suggesting that chronic EtOH exposure may also be associated with a presynaptic decrease in GABA release at these synapses (see later section). Importantly, the pharmacological alterations in the properties of GABAergic synapses were consistent with the observed changes in subunit expression. For example, diazepam and the neurosteroid alphaxalone did not have any effect on mIPSCs in slices from chronic EtOH exposed rats (Cagetti et al. 2003), possibly reflecting the loss of α1 and γ-subunits, respectively.
