GABA receptor

A protein receptor activated by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the brain’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter. GABA receptors reduce neuronal excitability through fast ion flow or slower signaling pathways.

GABA-A receptor: A ligand-gated ion channel that mediates fast inhibitory signaling when activated by GABA. It carries the rapid chloride-ion response produced by one major GABA receptor family.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid: A four-carbon amino acid that acts as the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult brain. It is the signaling molecule that activates GABA receptors.
Benzodiazepine: A class of drugs that enhances GABA-A receptor responses at a regulatory binding site. These drugs amplify GABA-A signaling to produce anxiolytic, sedative, and anticonvulsant effects.
GABAergic system: The neurons, signals, and molecular machinery that use GABA for communication. GABA receptors are the receiving components of this wider signaling system.
Glutamate receptor: A receptor activated by glutamate, the principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Glutamate receptors generally promote excitation, opposing GABA’s dominant inhibitory role.
GABA-B receptor: A G-protein-coupled receptor that mediates slower inhibitory signaling when activated by GABA. It produces slower effects through G proteins rather than an ion channel.
Neurotransmitter: A chemical messenger released by neurons to influence other cells. GABA is one example of this broader class of signaling molecules.
Barbiturate: A class of central nervous system depressants that can enhance GABA-A receptor activity. Barbiturates increase inhibitory signaling through GABA-A receptors.
Epilepsy: A neurological disorder characterized by a persistent tendency to generate epileptic seizures. Reduced or altered GABAergic inhibition can contribute to seizure-generating activity.
Glycine receptor: A ligand-gated chloride channel activated by glycine, especially in the spinal cord and brainstem. It is another fast inhibitory receptor, but uses a different neurotransmitter.

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