title: GABA and the GABAA receptor.
abstract: The neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) inhibits the activity of signal-receiving neurons by interacting with the GABAA receptor on these cells. The GABAA receptor is a channel-forming protein that allows the passage of chloride ions into the cells. Excessive GABAA activation may play a role in mediating the sedative effects of alcohol and other sedating and anesthetic agents. For example, alcohol enhances the GABAA-mediated chloride flow into cells and may thereby enhance neuronal inhibition. Alcohol's effects on the GABAA-receptor function likely involve other molecules (e.g., other neurotransmitters and proteins that add phosphate groups to the receptor [i.e., protein kinases]). Several experimental approaches also have suggested that changes in GABAA-receptor function contribute to the tolerance to and dependence on alcohol. Finally, individual differences in the GABA system may play a role in determining a person's susceptibility to developing alcohol dependence.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Bowman Grey School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Mihic
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Harris
mesh_terms: D000437:Alcoholism / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D000818:Animals; D058785:GABA-A Receptor Agonists; D006801:Humans; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D058785:GABA-A Receptor Agonists; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid