METHODS RELATED TO AN alpha 4 NICOTINIC ACETYLCHOLINE RECEPTOR SUBUNIT MUTANT

摘要

The present invention provides a method of screening for a compound that is a proconvulsant or anticonvulsant wherein the method includes: exposing a transgenic animal whose genome comprises a disruption of the alpha 4 nAChR gene to the compound; and determining the seizure response of the transgenic animal to the compound. Applicants have found that an animal having a non-functional alpha 4 nAChR gene has enhanced sensitivity to proconvulsants and anticonvulsants and especially GABA reception blockers.