Activation of GABAA receptors: views from outside the synaptic cleft
1Interdepartmental PhD Program for Neuroscience, The David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Abstract:
Some GABA(A) receptors (GABA(A)Rs) are activated by low transmitter levels present in the extracellular space and generate an uninterrupted conductance referred to as "tonic." This tonic conductance is highly sensitive to all factors regulating the amount of GABA surrounding the neurons. Only a few GABA(A)Rs with particular subunit combinations are well suited to mediate the tonic conductance. These same receptors constitute important and specific targets for various endogenous and exogenous neuroactive compounds and possible therapeutic targets.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
Activation and Inactivation of G Proteins
G-Protein Gated Ion Channels
Sensory organs,...
GPCR Desensitization
GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity
Two...
Ligand-gated Ion Channels
Three Subfamilies of Ligand-gated Ion Channels
Ligand-gated ion channels fall into three subfamilies. The 'Cys-loop' includes the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors. The second one is the 'Pore-loop' channels that include the...


