Muscimol is a structural analog of γ-amino butyric acid. It functions as a GABA-agonist: a positive analog of the natural transmitter, which can activate GABA receptors in the brain. Muscimol is an isoxazole derivative occurring naturally in the mushroom Amanita muscaria.
Muscimol has been widely used to reversibly inactivate localized groups of neurons. It can also be used, in place of radioactive reagents and methods, to map the distribution of muscimol in the nervous system, as well as to detect the presence of GABAA receptors on cell surfaces. Muscimol was also reported to cause change in the water intake of the mice. In cultured rat oligodendrocytes, muscimol has been shown to lead to a reduction in intracellular Cl-content, cell shrinkage, and stimulated Na-K-2Cl cotransporter isoform 1 (NKCC1) activity. Muscimol (50 mM) has been utilized to probe the role of the p42/44 mitogenactivated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade in the development of cultured rat hypothalamic neurons.
Key Applications: GABA-agonist
Application Areas: Neurobiology
Product Type: Biochemicals
Melting Point: 176°C(Decomposes)(Lit.)
Presentation: Off-White Powder
Format: Powder
Solubility: Soluble in water (10 mg/mL); soluble in 1 N Sodium hydroxide, ethanol, or methanol.
Storage & Handling: Store at -20°C.