Electrophysiology of GABAA and GABAB receptor subtypes

J Bormann - Trends in neurosciences, 1988 - cell.com
J Bormann
Trends in neurosciences, 1988cell.com
The participation of GABA receptors in the inhibitory transmission at mammalian central
synapses was demonstrated experimentally two decades ago. Whilst the'classical'action of
GABA involves the opening of Clchannels, pharmacologically distinct effects of GABA on
cation channels were detected later. This led to the notion of GABA a and GABAB receptor
subtypes. The GABAA receptor complex contains an integral Cl-ionophore, whereas GABAB
receptors couple to Ca z+ and K+ channels via GTP-binding proteins. The physiological and …
The participation of GABA receptors in the inhibitory transmission at mammalian central synapses was demonstrated experimentally two decades ago. Whilst the'classical'action of GABA involves the opening of Clchannels, pharmacologically distinct effects of GABA on cation channels were detected later. This led to the notion of GABA a and GABAB receptor subtypes. The GABAA receptor complex contains an integral Cl-ionophore, whereas GABAB receptors couple to Ca z+ and K+ channels via GTP-binding proteins. The physiological and pharmacological properties of GABAA and GABAB receptors will be discussed below in terms of ion channels that are activated by the two receptor subtypes.
The first direct evidence for 7-aminobutyric acid (GABA) acting as an inhibitory transmitter substance in the mammalian CNS dates back to 1967 when KrnjeviE and Schwartz compared the properties of inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) and GABA-induced membrane polarization~. Both actions were CI-dependent, with similar reversal potentials indicat-
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