While mRNA of the KCC2 cation/chloride transporters and the cytosolic carboanhydrase VII, used as markers for the so called GABA switch, as well as BDNF were unaltered, we found a reduced number of IN expressing the alpha1 subunit of the GABA<sub>A</sub>-receptor (37.5%) in dt<sup>sz</sup> hamsters at an age of 33days, but not after spontaneous remission of dystonia at an age of 90days.
Considering the association between dystonia and abnormal sensorimotor cortex plasticity, BDNF may be a candidate gene that confers susceptibility to dystonia.
Minor allele "A" of BDNFVal66Met SNP may increase the risk for developing BSP and may be a protective factor for preventing BSP progressing to craniocervical dystonia.
A common polymorphism for BDNF has been associated with abnormal cortical plasticity, and thus might contribute to pathogenesis of dystonia in some subjects.