GABA
- role in central nervous system
- role in peripheral nervous system
- receptors and signaling
- agonists and antagonists
- role in disease
Role in Central Nervous System
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70-80% of CNS neurons use GABA as a neurotransmitter; as such, the brain is largely inhibitory
Role in the Peripheral Nervous System
Receptors and Signaling
- GABA and glycine bind to receptors gating Cl--selective channels, generating IPSPs
GABAA are ionotropic
GABAB are metabotropic, linked via G proteins to opening K channels or suppressing Ca channels
Agonists and Antagonists
Agonists
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benzodiazepines and barbiturates each bind to an allosteric site on GABAA channels, facilitating Cl- influx
Antagonists
Role in Disease