Reduced gene expression of delta GABAA receptor subunits in circulating monocytes during the symptomatic luteal phase in premenstrual dysphoric disorder

• Background: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) has been hypothesized to be related to an abnormal sensitivity of the g-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor to progesterone-derived neurosteroids. GABAA receptor sensitivity to neurosteroid-modulation is dependent on its subunit composition.Methods: In the present study, we used quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions (RT-qPCR) to compare messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of GABAA receptor subunits in peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs) across the menstrual cycle in 29 women with PMDD and 27 controls. We related mRNA subunit expression to serum levels of neurosteroids, and to functional activation of the amygdala, a key brain region involved in emotion generation, measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).Results: Women with PMDD had lower mRNA expression of the delta GABAA receptor subunit during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Lower delta mRNA expression was related to higher amygdala activation in PMDD women.Conclusion: GABAA receptor incorporating the delta subunit are especially sensitive to neurosteroids modulation. It is possible that the mood symptoms of PMDD are mediated by an inability to effectively adjust the expression of this receptor type in response to neurosteroids fluctuations, leading to dysregulation GABAergic tone and increased activity in emotion-generating brain circuits.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Annan klinisk medicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Other Clinical Medicine (hsv//eng)

Keyword

obstetrik och gynekologi

Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

ovr (subject category)