Estimation of ambient GABA levels in layer I of the mouse neonatal cortex in brain slices

GABAergic synapses on Cajal–Retzius neurons in layer I of the murine neocortex experience GABAB receptor (GABABR)-mediated tonic inhibition. Extracellular GABA concentration ([GABA]o) that determines the strength of GABABR-mediated inhibition is controlled by GABA transporters (GATs). In this study, we hypothesized that the strength ofpresynaptic GABABR activation reflects [GABA]o in the vicinity of synaptic contacts. Slices obtained from two age groups were used, namely postnatal days (P)2–3 and P5–7. GABAergic postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) were recorded using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Minimal electrical stimulation in layer I was applied to elicit evoked IPSCs (eIPSCs) using a…