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Updated: Jul 20, 2026

GABA-activated Single-channel and Tonic Currents in Rat Brain Slices
Published on: July 17, 2011
Tonic GABA(A) receptor-mediated currents in human brain.
Annalisa Scimemi1, Anna Andersson, Joost H Heeroma
1Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK.
Tonic inhibition via GABA(A) receptors was demonstrated in human brain tissue for the first time. These currents, found in various neurons, offer potential for targeted neurological therapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurophysiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- GABA(A) receptors mediate phasic and tonic neuronal inhibition.
- Tonic inhibition is crucial for regulating neuronal and network excitability.
- Tonic GABA(A) receptor currents are well-characterized in rodents but unconfirmed in humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the existence of tonic GABA(A) receptor-mediated currents in human brain tissue.
- To characterize the cell-type specificity and pharmacology of these currents in humans.
Main Methods:
- Electrophysiological recordings were performed on human temporal neocortex and dentate gyrus tissue.
- Tissue was obtained from patients undergoing temporal lobectomies.
- Pharmacological profiling was used to identify receptor subtypes involved.
Main Results:
- Tonic GABA(A) receptor-mediated currents were successfully recorded in human pyramidal cells, interneurons (layers V-VI), and dentate gyrus granule cells.
- These tonic currents exhibited distinct pharmacological properties depending on the cell type.
- The findings confirm the presence of tonic inhibition in human neurons.
Conclusions:
- Tonic GABA(A) receptor-mediated inhibition is present in human temporal lobe neurons.
- The cell-type specific pharmacologies suggest potential for developing targeted therapeutic interventions.
- This study bridges a critical knowledge gap regarding tonic inhibition in human brain function and disease.
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