title: Function and modulation of delta-containing GABA(A) receptors.
abstract: alphabetadelta-Containing GABA(A) receptors are (1) localized to extra- and perisynaptic membranes, (2) exhibit a high sensitivity to GABA, (3) show little desensitization, and (4) are believed to be one of the primary mediators of tonic inhibition in the central nervous system. This type of signaling appears to play a key role in controlling cell excitability. This review article briefly summarizes recent knowledge on tonic GABA-mediated inhibition. We will also consider the mechanism of action of many clinically important drugs such as anxiolytics, anticonvulsants, and sedative/hypnotics and their effects on delta-containing GABA receptor activation. We will conclude that alphabetadelta-containing GABA(A) receptors exhibit a relatively low efficacy that can be potentiated by endogenous modulators and anxiolytic agents. This scenario enables these particular GABA receptor combinations, upon neurosteroid exposure for example, to impart a profound effect on excitability in the central nervous system.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
authors.forename: Nadezhda N
authors.initials: NN
authors.lastname: Zheleznova
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sedelnikova
authors.forename: David S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Weiss
mesh_terms: D000200:Action Potentials / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D018755:GABA Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D018756:GABA Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D008954:Models, Biological; D009433:Neural Inhibition / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D021122:Protein Subunits / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D011720:Pyrazoles / Q000494:pharmacology; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D018755:GABA Agonists; D018756:GABA Antagonists; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D021122:Protein Subunits; D011720:Pyrazoles; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A; C034317:tracazolate