Definition
GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) is an amino acid with mostly inhibitory functions in the mammalian central nervous system. Structures involved in releasing or binding GABA as a neurotransmitter constitute the GABAergic system. The GABAergic system is involved in the regulation of vigilance, anxiety, muscle tension, epileptogenic activity and memory functions.
Basic Characteristics
GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system. It is synthesized in presynaptic terminals from glutamate by the action of the enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase, stored in vesicles and released upon the arrival of an action potential. GABA binds to and mediates its effects via postsynaptic ionotropic GABAA receptors and pre-and postsynaptic metabotropic GABAB receptors (Fig. 1). Whereas the GABAA receptors mediate fast responses, the GABABreceptors mediate slow responses. GABA is removed from the synaptic cleft by GABA transporters and metabolized in a...
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References
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Rudolph, U. (2008). GABAergic System. In: Offermanns, S., Rosenthal, W. (eds) Encyclopedia of Molecular Pharmacology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-38918-7_61
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-38918-7_61
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