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Related Concept Videos

Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism01:30

Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism

Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in intercellular communication and functions of the nervous system. They allow the influx of ions across the membrane once the neurotransmitter binds, allowing the subsequent transmission of electrical excitation across the neurons. Other ligand-gated ion channels, like the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, permit anions like chloride into the cells on the binding of the GABA molecule. Their entry into the cell...
Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators01:18

Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators

γ-aminobutyric acid or GABA, plays a pivotal role as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA pathway potentiators, also known as GABAergic drugs, are a class of pharmaceutical agents designed to enhance the functioning of the GABAergic system. These medications primarily treat epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
The key GABA pathway potentiators used in epilepsy management are as follows.
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of drugs used for their...
G-Protein Gated Ion Channels01:21

G-Protein Gated Ion Channels

GPCRs are primarily responsible for our sense of smell, taste, and vision.  The binding of a sensory stimulus activates GPCR to stimulate effector proteins, many of which are ion channels in the sensory organs. GPCRs modulate the opening and closing of the target ion channels either directly by binding them, or by releasing second messengers that activate these channels. As ions move across the membrane, the membrane potential is altered, which induces an appropriate response.
Sensory organs,...
Ligand-gated Ion Channels01:19

Ligand-gated Ion Channels

Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins with a channel for ions to pass through and a binding site for a ligand. The channel opens only when a ligand attaches to the binding site.
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...
Activation and Inactivation of G Proteins01:22

Activation and Inactivation of G Proteins

Heterotrimeric G proteins are guanine nucleotide-binding proteins. As the name suggests, heterotrimeric G proteins are composed of three subunits: alpha, beta, and gamma. They remain GDP-bound or GTP-bound inside the cells and switch between inactive/active states. The Gα subunit possesses the nucleotide-binding pocket that binds guanine nucleotides and switches between GDP or GTP-bound states. In contrast, the Gꞵ and Gγ subunits are always bound together with high affinity and are together...
GPCR Desensitization01:12

GPCR Desensitization

G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling plays a crucial role in cell functioning. GPCR desensitization is an equally essential process. It allows cells to respond to changing environments and regain sensitivity to new stimuli while preventing unnecessary stimulation when no longer needed. Prolonged exposure to stimuli leads to GPCR desensitization. It involves blocking the receptors from binding and activating additional G proteins. This inhibits activation of downstream effectors, thereby...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Inhibitory Synapse Formation in a Co-culture Model Incorporating GABAergic Medium Spiny Neurons and HEK293 Cells Stably Expressing GABAA Receptors
07:51

Inhibitory Synapse Formation in a Co-culture Model Incorporating GABAergic Medium Spiny Neurons and HEK293 Cells Stably Expressing GABAA Receptors

Published on: November 14, 2014

Unconventional GABA release: mechanisms and function.

Ursula Koch1, Anna K Magnusson

  • 1Department Biologie II, Division of Neurobiology, LMU Munich, Martinsried, Germany. koch@zi.biologie.uni-muenchen.de

Current Opinion in Neurobiology
|April 21, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Unconventional release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) from neurons and glial cells offers novel insights into neurological regulation. This review explores these non-vesicular mechanisms and their physiological significance.

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Methods for the Discovery of Novel Compounds Modulating a Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Receptor Type A Neurotransmission
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Methods for the Discovery of Novel Compounds Modulating a Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Receptor Type A Neurotransmission

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Whole-cell Currents Induced by Puff Application of GABA in Brain Slices
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Whole-cell Currents Induced by Puff Application of GABA in Brain Slices

Published on: October 12, 2017

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Inhibitory Synapse Formation in a Co-culture Model Incorporating GABAergic Medium Spiny Neurons and HEK293 Cells Stably Expressing GABAA Receptors
07:51

Inhibitory Synapse Formation in a Co-culture Model Incorporating GABAergic Medium Spiny Neurons and HEK293 Cells Stably Expressing GABAA Receptors

Published on: November 14, 2014

Methods for the Discovery of Novel Compounds Modulating a Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Receptor Type A Neurotransmission
07:16

Methods for the Discovery of Novel Compounds Modulating a Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Receptor Type A Neurotransmission

Published on: August 16, 2018

Whole-cell Currents Induced by Puff Application of GABA in Brain Slices
07:32

Whole-cell Currents Induced by Puff Application of GABA in Brain Slices

Published on: October 12, 2017

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Neurochemistry
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain.
  • Dysfunctional GABA signaling is implicated in numerous neurological and psychiatric disorders.
  • Traditional research has focused on synaptic GABA release and receptor activation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on the mechanisms of unconventional GABA release.
  • To explore the functions and physiological significance of non-vesicular GABA release.
  • To highlight novel aspects of neural regulation mediated by GABA.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent scientific findings.
  • Synthesis of information on non-vesicular GABA release mechanisms.
  • Discussion of physiological implications and regulatory roles.

Main Results:

  • GABA can be released unconventionally from non-axon terminal sites.
  • Mechanisms include transporter reversal and other non-vesicular pathways from neurons and glial cells.
  • These unconventional releases contribute to retrograde signaling and neural regulation.

Conclusions:

  • Unconventional GABA release represents a significant, yet understudied, aspect of neurotransmission.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for comprehending neurological disorders.
  • Further research into non-vesicular GABA release could reveal new therapeutic targets.