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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...
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,...
The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation01:19

The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation

A postsynaptic neuron usually receives numerous impulses from several other presynaptic neurons. The axon hillock of the postsynaptic neuron integrates all these signals and determines the likelihood of firing an action potential.
Sometimes a single EPSP is strong enough to induce an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. However, multiple presynaptic inputs must often create EPSPs around the same time for the postsynaptic neuron to be sufficiently depolarized to fire an action potential.
Non-gated Ion Channels01:24

Non-gated Ion Channels

Ion channels are specialized proteins on the plasma membrane that allow charged ions to pass down their electrochemical gradient. Their main function is to maintain the membrane potential which is critical for cell viability. These channels are either gated or non-gated and can transport more than a thousand ions within milliseconds for the cellular event to occur.
Compared to the gated ion channels, the non-gated channels, also known as leakage or passive channels, have no gating mechanism.
Non-gated Ion Channels01:24

Non-gated Ion Channels

Ion channels are specialized proteins on the plasma membrane that allow charged ions to pass down their electrochemical gradient. Their main function is to maintain the membrane potential which is critical for cell viability. These channels are either gated or non-gated and can transport more than a thousand ions within milliseconds for the cellular event to occur.
Compared to the gated ion channels, the non-gated channels, also known as leakage or passive channels, have no gating mechanism.
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 31, 2026

GABA-activated Single-channel and Tonic Currents in Rat Brain Slices
09:59

GABA-activated Single-channel and Tonic Currents in Rat Brain Slices

Published on: July 17, 2011

Spatial and temporal dynamics in the ionic driving force for GABA(A) receptors.

R Wright1, J V Raimondo, C J Akerman

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX13QT, UK.

Neural Plasticity
|July 19, 2011
PubMed
Summary

The strength of GABAergic synaptic transmission varies dynamically. This review explores how the chloride ion driving force for GABA(A) receptors (GABA(A)Rs) is regulated, impacting neuronal signaling and brain function.

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Last Updated: May 31, 2026

GABA-activated Single-channel and Tonic Currents in Rat Brain Slices
09:59

GABA-activated Single-channel and Tonic Currents in Rat Brain Slices

Published on: July 17, 2011

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

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

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cellular Neuroscience
  • Synaptic Physiology

Background:

  • GABAergic synaptic transmission strength is dynamic.
  • The ionic driving force for GABA(A) receptors (GABA(A)Rs) influences GABAergic synapse function.
  • Understanding the regulation of this driving force is crucial for comprehending neural circuit dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms regulating the ionic driving force for GABA(A)Rs.
  • To highlight the spatial and temporal variations in this driving force within neuronal circuits.
  • To discuss the implications of these variations for brain function and disease.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on GABA(A)R function and chloride regulation.
  • Analysis of studies investigating spatial control of ion transporters and channels.
  • Examination of research on short-term and long-term plasticity of GABAergic signaling.

Main Results:

  • The driving force for GABA(A)Rs exhibits significant spatial control, influenced by Cl⁻ transporter and channel distribution.
  • Short-term dynamics involve intracellular Cl⁻ accumulation/depletion.
  • Long-term shifts result from activity-dependent changes in Cl⁻ regulatory proteins.
  • These regulatory mechanisms create regional variations in GABA(A)R signaling strength.

Conclusions:

  • The ionic driving force for GABA(A)Rs is a key determinant of GABAergic transmission strength.
  • Multifaceted regulation of this driving force impacts neuronal circuits.
  • Dysregulation has implications for brain development, mature function, and neurological disorders.