Generating diversity at GABAergic synapses

Trends Neurosci. 2001 Mar;24(3):155-62. doi: 10.1016/s0166-2236(00)01724-0.

Abstract

GABA-mediated transmission is characterized by high variability of synaptic responses. Major contributors to this variability are: presynaptic factors, including release probability and number of release sites; factors that determine synaptic GABA transients in the cleft, including diffusion and the actions of GABA transporters; and postsynaptic factors, including GABA(A) receptors subtypes, their location and number, their modulation by endogenous and exogenous factors, and their interactions with postsynaptic-anchoring proteins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carrier Proteins / physiology
  • GABA Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Humans
  • Mammals
  • Membrane Proteins / physiology
  • Membrane Transport Proteins*
  • Organic Anion Transporters*
  • Phylogeny
  • Protein Conformation
  • Receptors, GABA-A / chemistry
  • Receptors, GABA-A / genetics
  • Receptors, GABA-A / physiology*
  • Synapses / physiology*
  • Synaptic Transmission
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / physiology*

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • GABA Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Organic Anion Transporters
  • Receptors, GABA-A
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid