title: GABA(B) receptors and synaptic modulation.
abstract: GABA(B) receptors modulate transmitter release and postsynaptic membrane potential at various types of central synapses. They function as heterodimers of two related seven-transmembrane domain receptor subunits. Trafficking, activation and signalling of GABA(B) receptors are regulated both by allosteric interactions between the subunits and by the binding of additional proteins. Recent studies have shed light on the roles of GABA(B) receptors in plasticity processes at excitatory synapses. This review summarizes our knowledge of the localization, structure and function of GABA(B) receptors in the central nervous system and their use as drug targets for neurological and psychiatric disorders.
authors.affiliation: Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University of Hamburg, Falkenried 94, 20251 Hamburg, Germany. hckornau@zmnh.uni-hamburg.de
authors.forename: Hans-Christian
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Kornau
mesh_terms: D000494:Allosteric Regulation; D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D011485:Protein Binding; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D018080:Receptors, GABA-B / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013569:Synapses / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D018080:Receptors, GABA-B