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Abstract:
The participation of GABA receptors in the inhibitory transmission at mammalian central synapses was demonstrated experimentally two decades ago. Whilst the ‘classical’ action of GABA involves the opening of Cl− channels, pharmacologically distinct effects of GABA on cation channels were detected later. This led to the notion of GABAA and GABAB receptor subtypes. The GABAA receptor complex contains an integral Cl− ionophore, whereas GABAB receptors couple to Ca2+ and K+ channels via GTP-binding proteins. The physiological and pharmacological properties of GABAA and GABAB receptors will be discussed below in terms of ion channels that are activated by the two receptor subtypes.
