Expression of genes involved in excitatory neurotransmission in anoxic crucian carp (Carassius carassius) brain.

The crucian carp, Carassius carassius, survives months without oxygen. During anoxia it needs to keep energy expenditure low, particularly in the brain, with its high rate of ATP use related to neuronal activity. This could be accomplished by reducing neuronal excitability through altered expression of genes involved in excitatory neurotransmission.