Activation of GABAA receptors: views from outside the synaptic cleft

Joseph Glykys; Istvan Mody

doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2007.11.002

Activation of GABAA receptors: views from outside the synaptic cleft

Neuron. 2007 Dec 6;56(5):763-70. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2007.11.002.

Authors

Joseph Glykys¹, Istvan Mody

Affiliation

¹ Interdepartmental PhD Program for Neuroscience, The David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.

PMID: 18054854
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2007.11.002

Abstract

Some GABA(A) receptors (GABA(A)Rs) are activated by low transmitter levels present in the extracellular space and generate an uninterrupted conductance referred to as "tonic." This tonic conductance is highly sensitive to all factors regulating the amount of GABA surrounding the neurons. Only a few GABA(A)Rs with particular subunit combinations are well suited to mediate the tonic conductance. These same receptors constitute important and specific targets for various endogenous and exogenous neuroactive compounds and possible therapeutic targets.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

Algorithms
Animals
Extracellular Space / physiology
GABA Agonists / therapeutic use
GABA Antagonists / therapeutic use
GABA-A Receptor Agonists
GABA-A Receptor Antagonists
Humans
Neural Conduction / drug effects
Neural Conduction / physiology
Neurotransmitter Agents / physiology
Receptors, GABA-A / physiology*
Synapses / drug effects
Synapses / physiology*
gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / metabolism
gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / physiology

Substances

GABA Agonists
GABA Antagonists
GABA-A Receptor Agonists
GABA-A Receptor Antagonists
Neurotransmitter Agents
Receptors, GABA-A
gamma-Aminobutyric Acid