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Related Concept Videos

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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...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

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

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Published on: November 14, 2014

Extrasynaptic GABAA receptors: form, pharmacology, and function.

Delia Belelli1, Neil L Harrison, Jamie Maguire

  • 1Division of Medical Sciences, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY, United Kingdom.

The Journal of Neuroscience : the Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience
|October 16, 2009
PubMed
Summary

A new type of inhibition, "tonic" inhibition, mediated by extrasynaptic GABA(A) receptors, has been identified. These receptors, distinct from synaptic ones, play a key role in central nervous system (CNS) function and disease.

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Using an α-Bungarotoxin Binding Site Tag to Study GABA A Receptor Membrane Localization and Trafficking

Published on: March 28, 2014

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Neuropharmacology

Background:

  • GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS.
  • GABA acts through GABA(A) and GABA(B) receptors.
  • A novel form of inhibition, "tonic" inhibition, mediated by GABA(A) receptors, has been recently described.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review ongoing research on extrasynaptic GABA(A) receptors.
  • To highlight the properties and functions of these receptors.
  • To emphasize their role in CNS physiology and pathophysiology.

Main Methods:

  • Examination of recombinant and native extrasynaptic GABA(A) receptors.
  • Analysis of their biophysical properties.
  • Investigation of their pharmacological targeting.

Main Results:

  • Extrasynaptic GABA(A) receptors are activated by ambient GABA, mediating tonic inhibition.
  • These receptors are pharmacologically and functionally distinct from synaptic GABA(A) receptors.
  • They are preferentially targeted by endogenous and clinically relevant agents.

Conclusions:

  • Extrasynaptic GABA(A) receptors are crucial for GABAergic inhibition in the CNS.
  • They are involved in both normal physiological processes and various pathological conditions.
  • These receptors represent a significant target for therapeutic interventions.