GABA, a forgotten gliotransmitter
María Cecilia Angulo1, Karim Le Meur, Andrei S Kozlov
1Inserm U603, Paris, France; CNRS UMR 8154, Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.
Progress in Neurobiology
|September 13, 2008
Summary
Glial cells release gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a key inhibitory neurotransmitter. This review explores GABA
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Neurochemistry
Background:
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS).
- Neuronal GABAergic signaling, including release mechanisms, receptor targets, and functional outcomes, is extensively researched.
- Glial GABAergic signaling remains less understood compared to neuronal pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on GABA accumulation, production, and release by glial cells.
- To explore emerging evidence supporting GABA's role as a gliotransmitter.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating glial GABAergic mechanisms.
- Synthesis of experimental findings on GABA's function originating from glial cells.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports GABA's presence, synthesis, and release from glial cells.
- Recent experiments suggest functional roles for glial GABA release.
Conclusions:
- Glial cells actively participate in GABAergic signaling within the CNS.
- GABA may function as a gliotransmitter, impacting neural circuit function.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate glial GABAergic signaling.
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