Pathophysiology and pharmacology of GABA(A) receptors.
By controlling spike timing and sculpting neuronal rhythms, inhibitory interneurons play a key role in brain function. GABAergic interneurons are highly diverse. The respective GABA(A) receptor subtypes, therefore, provide new opportunities not only for understanding GABA-dependent pathophysiologies but also for targeting of selective neuronal circuits by drugs. The pharmacological relevance of GABA(A) receptor subtypes is increasingly being recognized. A new central nervous system pharmacology is on the horizon. The development of anxiolytic drugs devoid of sedation and of agents that enhance hippocampus-dependent learning and memory has become a novel and highly selective therapeutic opportunity.
Möhler
H
H
Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland. mohler@pharma.unizh.ch
Fritschy
J M
JM
Vogt
K
K
Crestani
F
F
Rudolph
U
U
D000818:Animals; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000494:pharmacology; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007395:Interneurons / Q000502:physiology*; D008024:Ligands; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000503:physiopathology
D008024:Ligands; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A; D001569:Benzodiazepines