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GABA A Receptor Synaptic Functions

Encyclopedia of Neuroscience, Page: 441-445
2009
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Book Chapter Description

Most of the chemical inhibition in the brain is mediated by ionotropic and metabotropic receptors for the small amino acid neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The ionotropic (GABA A Rs) receptors constitute a Cl − - and HCO 3 − -permeable ion pore that usually inhibits neurons when activated. There is a wealth of specificity in the cellular localization and molecular assembly of the GABA A Rs. This specificity also relates to the synaptic targeting of the principal cells by diverse GABAergic interneurons. GABA A Rs are also found outside synapses, where they can be activated by ambient levels of the transmitter, thus producing an ‘always on,’ or tonic, form of inhibition. But the role of the GABAergic system in the brain goes far beyond inhibition. The activity of individual cells in a network can be effectively synchronized when the cells are emerging together from a common inhibition. Moreover, if high Cl − concentrations are present inside the cells, the activation of GABA A Rs will tend to increase neuronal excitability instead of dampening it. Insights into the complexity of GABAergic inhibition will provide answers to many intriguing questions about brain function in health and disease.

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