Gabre, encoding the GABA receptor ε -subunit, is expressed in a subset of preoptic area cell types in the hypothalamus. The GABA receptor is involved in neural inhibitory neurotransmission, and Gabre may confer resistance to anesthetics at the molecular level [1]. Understanding its function is crucial as the preoptic area is vital for regulating brain-body interactions, including control of vital signs [1].

A Gabre-cre knock-in mouse line was generated to interrogate the function of Gabre cells in the preoptic area [1]. In awake mice, chemogenetic activation of Gabre neurons in the preoptic area reduced body temperature, while chemogenetic inhibition of these neurons decreased the heart rate under isoflurane anesthesia [1]. This indicates an important role of preoptic Gabre neurons in maintaining vital signs like body temperature and heart rate during wakefulness and anesthesia [1].

In conclusion, Gabre is significant for its role in regulating vital signs such as body temperature and heart rate, as revealed through in vivo studies using the Gabre-cre knock-in mouse model. These findings contribute to our understanding of the physiological mechanisms related to anesthesia and maintenance of vital functions in the context of the preoptic area's neural circuits [1].

References:

1. Wang, Ziyue, Li, Lanxiang, Li, Miao, Naumann, Robert Konrad, Wang, Hong. 2024. Chemogenetic Modulation of Preoptic Gabre Neurons Decreases Body Temperature and Heart Rate. In International journal of molecular sciences, 25, . doi:10.3390/ijms252313061. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39684772/