W-2 Neurotransmitters
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GABAbyShannonSavage.pptx
Gaba-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
Shannon Savage
What is the function of GABA
GABA is the largest inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.
The widespread expression of GABAergic cells tells us that GABA plays an important role in many central nervous system functions, including regulating behavior, motor control, mood, and sleep.
The correlation between GABA and seizures makes sense, and benzodiazepines (a front-line seizure drug) act by enhancing GABA actions in cells
Castellano et al. (2021)
Ochoa-de la Paz et al. (2021)
Stahl (2013)
2
GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system
GABA plays an essential regulatory role in reducing the activity of neurons
GABA subunit mutations have been identified in patients with epilepsy
GABA pathway of origin and projections
Ion channels regulate calcium, sodium, chloride, and potassium flow in and out of cells.
Ligand gated, or ion-channel-linked channels are opened and closed by neurotransmitters.
When a neurotransmitter (GABA) binds to a receptor (GABAa receptor), the neurotransmitter causes a change in the receptor that opens the specific ion channel.
Stahl (2013)
Wu & Sun (2015)
3
GABA acts primarily via the activation of GABAa receptors
When GABA binds to these receptors, the ion channel opens, and chloride diffuses into the cell
GABAa receptors are ligand-gated chloride ion chanel
GABA is produced from the amino acid glutamate
Is GABA excitatory or inhibitory?
GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult brain
GABA uses its inhibitory effect through two types of receptors, GABAa and GABAb.
GABA plays a role in regulating and reducing the activity of many neurons, including those in the amygdala
Ochoa-de la Paz et al. (2021)
Stahl (2013)
4
GABA behaviors
There are many disorders associated with GABA receptors
Sleep disorders
Epilepsy
Anxiety disorders
Schizophrenia
Many pharmacological treatments act on GABA receptors to treat these mental health disorders
An increase in GABA levels and an altered function of GABAergic receptors can affect sleep
Regulation by the GABAa receptors participate in the generation of seizures
Benzodiazepines act by enhancing GABA actions at the level of the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex to relieve anxiety.
Ochoa-de la Paz et al. (2021)
Stahl (2013)
5
References
Castellano, D., Shepard, R.D., & Lu, W. (2021). Looking for novelty in an “old” receptor: Recent advances toward our understanding of GABAARs and their implications in receptor pharmacology. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2020.616298
Ochoa-de la Paz, L. D., Gulias-Cañizo, R., Ruíz-Leyja, E. D., Sánchez-Castillo, H., & Parodí, J. (2021). The role of GABA neurotransmitter in the human central nervous system, physiology, and pathophysiology. Revista Mexicana de Neurociencia, 22(2), 67–76. https://doi.org/10.24875/RMN.20000050
Stahl, S. M. (2013). Stahl's essential psychopharmacology: Neuroscientific basis and practical applications (4th ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Wu, C., & Sun, D. (2015) GABA receptors in brain development, function, and injury. Metabolic Brain Disease, 30(2). 367-370. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11011-014-9560-1
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