Expression of Gabra2 gene coding GABAA receptor α2 subunit was reduced in Shank2 e6-7 KO mice, but not in Shank2 e7 KO mice.
GABAA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission was impaired in Shank2 e6-7 KO mice, resulting in reduced I/E ratio.
A GABAA receptor α2 agonist L838,417 restored the impaired I/E ratio in Shank2 e6-7 KO mice.
L838,417 treatment reversed spatial memory deficits in Shank2 e6-7 KO mice without affecting the social deficit.