Distribution of the GABA(A) receptor complex beta 2/3 subunits in the brain of the frog Rana pipiens

This report describes the distribution of labeling of the monoclonal antibody bd-17 against the beta 2/3 subunits of the mammalian GABA(A) receptor complex throughout the brain of the frog Rana pipiens. The distribution matches quite closely those in homologous brain regions as previously described for this antibody in fishes, birds, and mammals, indicating that this antibody also labels beta 2/3 subunits of frog. A semiquantitative analysis of the distribution of labeling throughout the brain is based upon relative optical densities with respect to the structure showing maximal optical density in each brain, using standard illumination conditions. Comparison with distributions in birds and mammals suggests that these GABA(A) receptor complex subunits are strongly conserved in vertebrate evolution and play an important role in the visual, auditory, olfactory and motor systems. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.