Abstract
This chapter discusses the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor channels, which are the most abundant inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS. Following release from presynaptic vesicles, GABA exerts fast inhibitory effects by interacting with GABA receptors, whose primary function is to hyperpolarize neuronal membranes in mature CNS neurons. GABA receptors are found both presynaptically, where they decrease the likelihood of neurotransmitter release, and postsynaptically, where they decrease the likelihood of neuronal firing. There are two types of GABA receptor, termed GABAA and GABAB receptors. GABAA receptors are fast-activating Clˉ channels from the Cys-loop family of ligand-gated ion channels. Activation of GABAA receptors causes membrane hyperpolarization by allowing Clˉ influx, reflecting the relatively low concentration of Clˉ found intracellularly in most adult CNS neurons. GABAA receptors can also mediate depolarizing responses in most immature CNS neurons and in mature peripheral neurons.
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