NeuroscienceLesson 1 of 1 in the course Neurotransmitters and neuromodulation

GABA Signaling: Receptors, Development, Metabolism, and Pharmacology

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

GABA is a major chemical messenger in the nervous system. This lesson explains its usual role in mature brain circuits and how its two main receptor classes respond to it.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the developmentally mature mammalian central nervous system. Its principal role is to reduce neuronal excitability, making neurons less likely to generate or transmit signals. Neurons that release GABA as their output are called GABAergic neurons. Medium spiny cells are one example of inhibitory GABAergic cells in the central nervous system.

All flashcards

What is GABA’s usual role in the mature mammalian central nervous system?
It is the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter, generally reducing neuronal excitability.
What is shunting inhibition?
Inhibition that lowers membrane resistance and weakens coincident inputs, even with little direct change in membrane potential.
Why can GABA depolarize many immature neurons?
Their chloride balance differs from that of mature neurons, so GABA_A receptor activation can cause chloride to flow out.
What are GABAergic neurons?
Neurons that release GABA as their output.
How can GABA from pancreatic beta cells affect neighboring alpha cells?
It can inhibit their secretion of glucagon.

Quiz questions

  1. What kind of receptor is GABA_B?Answer: A G protein-coupled receptor that influences ion channels through intermediaries.
  2. In immature neurons, what chloride-transporter pattern is associated with GABA’s often depolarizing effect?Answer: More NKCC1 relative to KCC2.
  3. What effect can GABA released by pancreatic beta cells have on neighboring alpha cells?Answer: It can inhibit their glucagon secretion.
  4. Which cofactor does glutamate decarboxylase require to synthesize GABA from glutamate?Answer: Pyridoxal phosphate, the active form of vitamin B6.
  5. How do many general anesthetics affect GABA_A receptor activity?Answer: They enhance receptor activity, contributing to reduced neuronal signaling.

Based on the Wikipedia article GABA, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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