Anatomy

Gamma Aminobutyric Acid

Gamma Aminobutyric Acid, Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, GABA, GABA Receptor, GABA-A Receptor, GABA-B Receptor

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
1. GABA is a key inhibitory Neurotransmitter of the Central Nervous System
2. GABA is synthesized from the Amino AcidGlutamate, an important excitatory Neurotransmitter
  1. Facilitated by the enzyme Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase
GABA Receptor
1. GABA Agonists bind GABA Receptors, resulting in inhibition
  1. GABA Receptor binding triggers chloride channel opening, with secondary chloride influx into the Neuron
  2. Chloride influx hyperpolarizes the Neuron (inhibits new Action Potentials from forming)
    1. Decreases the Neurons responsiveness to excitatory Neurotransmitters
  3. GABA Receptors are down regulated in chronic Alcohol Abuse
2. GABA A Receptors
  1. Ligand gated ion channels (ionotropic receptors) are fast responding receptors
  2. Agonists: Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates, Propofol, Etomidate, Topiramate, Carbamates
  3. Antagonists: Flumazenil
3. GABA B Receptors
  1. G-Protein coupled receptors (metabotropic receptors) are slow responding receptors
  2. Agonists: Baclofen, Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB)