Extrasynaptic GABAA receptors: form, pharmacology, and function. The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience [J Neurosci] Journal article | | Title | Extrasynaptic GABAA receptors: form, pharmacology, and function. | | Author(s) | Belelli D, Harrison NL, Maguire J, Macdonald RL, Walker MC, Cope DW | | Institution | Division of Medical Sciences, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY, United Kingdom. | | Source | J Neurosci 2009 Oct 14; 29(41):12757-63. | | MeSH | Animals
Biophysical Phenomena
Central Nervous System
Female
Humans
Male
Neural Inhibition
Pregnancy
Presynaptic Terminals
Protein Subunits
Receptors, GABA-A
Synaptic Transmission
gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
| | Abstract | GABA is the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS and acts via GABA(A) and GABA(B) receptors. Recently, a novel form of GABA(A) receptor-mediated inhibition, termed "tonic" inhibition, has been described. Whereas synaptic GABA(A) receptors underlie classical "phasic" GABA(A) receptor-mediated inhibition (inhibitory postsynaptic currents), tonic GABA(A) receptor-mediated inhibition results from the activation of extrasynaptic receptors by low concentrations of ambient GABA. Extrasynaptic GABA(A) receptors are composed of receptor subunits that convey biophysical properties ideally suited to the generation of persistent inhibition and are pharmacologically and functionally distinct from their synaptic counterparts. This mini-symposium review highlights ongoing work examining the properties of recombinant and native extrasynaptic GABA(A) receptors and their preferential targeting by endogenous and clinically relevant agents. In addition, it emphasizes the important role of extrasynaptic GABA(A) receptors in GABAergic inhibition throughout the CNS and identifies them as a major player in both physiological and pathophysiological processes. | | Language | eng | | Pub Type(s) | Journal Article
Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review
| | PubMed ID | 19828786 |
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