Extrasynaptic GABA(A) receptors in the brainstem and spinal cord: structure and function.
Rodolfo Delgado-Lezama1, Emanuel Loeza-Alcocer, Carmen Andrés
1Departamento de Fisiologia, Biofísica y Neurociencias Cinvestav-IPN Avenida IPN 2508, Col. Zacatenco Mexico City, CP 07300 Mexico. rdelgado@fisio.cinvestav.mx
Current Pharmaceutical Design
|January 31, 2013
Summary
Extrasynaptic GABAA receptors mediate tonic inhibition in the spinal cord, influencing neuron excitability. This review details their subunit composition and physiological roles in conditions like pain and motor control.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuropharmacology
Background:
- γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is crucial for central nervous system (CNS) development and function.
- GABA acts on GABAA receptors (GABAARs), mediating both rapid synaptic and tonic inhibition.
- Extrasynaptic GABAARs respond to ambient GABA, providing tonic inhibition distinct from synaptic transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the developments in understanding extrasynaptic GABAA receptors.
- To emphasize their subunit composition and physiological roles in the spinal cord.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of past and present research on extrasynaptic GABAA receptors.
- Analysis of studies focusing on spinal cord function and neurological disorders.
Main Results:
- Extrasynaptic GABAARs are widespread and contribute to tonic inhibition by sensing ambient GABA.
- These receptors are implicated in spinal cord functions including anesthesia, chronic pain, motor control, and locomotion.
- Their molecular composition and distribution are key to their physiological roles.
Conclusions:
- Extrasynaptic GABAARs are significant regulators of neuronal excitability in the spinal cord.
- Understanding their subunit composition and function is vital for developing treatments for neurological disorders.
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