Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2025

12:47
Inducing Plasticity of Astrocytic Receptors by Manipulation of Neuronal Firing Rates
Published on: March 20, 2014
14.2K
An unexpected role for a glutamate receptor
1Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK.
Summary
γ-Aminobutyric acid, a key inhibitory neurotransmitter, influences synaptic plasticity by acting on glutamate receptors. This interaction is crucial for learning and memory processes in the brain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
- Glutamate receptors play critical roles in excitatory neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the direct effect of GABA on glutamate receptor function.
- To elucidate the role of GABA in modulating synaptic plasticity.
Main Methods:
- Electrophysiological recordings of neuronal activity.
- Pharmacological manipulation of GABA and glutamate receptor signaling.
Main Results:
- GABA application modulated the activity of specific glutamate receptors.
- This modulation resulted in measurable changes in synaptic plasticity.
Conclusions:
- γ-Aminobutyric acid directly influences glutamate receptor activity.
- GABAergic signaling is a key regulator of synaptic plasticity, impacting neural circuit function.
Related Concept Videos
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
2.3K
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...
2.3K
Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists
376
Glutamate is a fundamental neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, playing a vital role in neuronal communication and various cognitive processes. Glutamate stands as the principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Its presence is crucial for the communication between neurons, underpinning essential processes such as synaptic transmission, neuronal excitability, and plasticity. These functions are vital for higher-order cognitive processes, including learning and memory. The...
376
Ligand-gated Ion Channels
12.4K
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...
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...
12.4K
Excitatory and Inhibitory Effects of Neurotransmitters
10.0K
When an action potential reaches the presynaptic axon terminal, it releases neurotransmitters from the neuron into the synaptic cleft at a chemical synapse. The released neurotransmitter can be excitatory or inhibitory. The critical criteria commonly used to determine whether a molecule is a neurotransmitter at a chemical synapse are the molecule's presence in the presynaptic neuron. Second, its release is in response to strong presynaptic depolarization. And lastly, the presence of...
10.0K
Role of Neurotransmitters in Memory
565
Neurotransmitters are integral to the brain's communication system, enabling neurons to transmit signals across synapses. This chemical exchange underpins various cognitive functions, including memory processes. The role of neurotransmitters in memory is multifaceted, influencing the encoding, consolidation, and retrieval of memories through their action on different neural circuits.
Glutamate and Synaptic Plasticity
Glutamate, the brain's main excitatory neurotransmitter, is...
Glutamate and Synaptic Plasticity
Glutamate, the brain's main excitatory neurotransmitter, is...
565
G-protein Coupled Receptors
119.3K
G-protein coupled receptors are ligand binding receptors that indirectly affect changes in the cell. The actual receptor is a single polypeptide that transverses the cell membrane seven times creating intracellular and extracellular loops. The extracellular loops create a ligand specific pocket which binds to neurotransmitters or hormones. The intracellular loops holds onto the G-protein.
119.3K

