GABA

Gamma-aminobutyric acid is the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system. It reduces neuronal excitability by acting on specific receptors.

GABA_A receptor: A ligand-gated ion channel activated by GABA that usually inhibits neurons by increasing chloride conductance. Fast synaptic inhibition commonly begins when GABA opens this receptor’s chloride channel.
Glutamate decarboxylase: An enzyme that converts glutamate into GABA through decarboxylation. This enzyme makes GABA in GABA-producing neurons.
Benzodiazepine: A class of drugs that enhance GABA_A receptor responses at a distinct allosteric binding site. Benzodiazepines increase the effects of GABA at susceptible GABA_A receptors.
Glutamatergic neuron: A neuron that releases glutamate as a neurotransmitter. Glutamatergic signaling commonly excites the same circuits that GABAergic signaling restrains.
Epilepsy: A neurological disorder characterized by an enduring predisposition to recurrent unprovoked seizures. Reduced or disrupted inhibition can contribute to the excessive synchronized activity underlying seizures.
GABA_B receptor: A metabotropic G-protein-coupled receptor activated by GABA that produces slower inhibitory effects. This receptor extends GABA’s inhibition through G proteins rather than a directly gated channel.
Glutamate: The most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system. GABA is synthesized from glutamate, linking the main inhibitory and excitatory transmitters.
Barbiturate: A class of central nervous system depressants that enhance GABA_A receptor signaling and can directly activate receptors at high doses. Barbiturates strengthen GABA-mediated inhibition through a mechanism distinct from benzodiazepines.
Excitatory postsynaptic potential: A postsynaptic voltage change that makes an action potential more likely. It contrasts with the usual effect of GABA, which lowers neuronal firing probability.
Anxiety disorder: A group of mental disorders marked by persistent, excessive fear or anxiety that causes distress or impairment. GABAergic signaling is a target of several treatments for anxiety symptoms.

Linked from 39 pages