Activation of GABAA receptors: views from outside the synaptic cleft.
Some GABA(A) receptors (GABA(A)Rs) are activated by low transmitter levels present in the extracellular space and generate an uninterrupted conductance referred to as "tonic." This tonic conductance is highly sensitive to all factors regulating the amount of GABA surrounding the neurons. Only a few GABA(A)Rs with particular subunit combinations are well suited to mediate the tonic conductance. These same receptors constitute important and specific targets for various endogenous and exogenous neuroactive compounds and possible therapeutic targets.
Glykys
Joseph
J
Interdepartmental PhD Program for Neuroscience, The David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Mody
Istvan
I
D000465:Algorithms; D000818:Animals; D005110:Extracellular Space / Q000502:physiology; D018755:GABA Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018756:GABA Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D058785:GABA-A Receptor Agonists; D058787:GABA-A Receptor Antagonists; D006801:Humans; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A / Q000502:physiology*; D013569:Synapses / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology
D018755:GABA Agonists; D018756:GABA Antagonists; D058785:GABA-A Receptor Agonists; D058787:GABA-A Receptor Antagonists; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid