gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA, Gammalone, Mielomade)
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Introduction
Major inhibitory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system. Highly concentrated in substantia nigra & globus pallidus. Also found in hypothalamus, periaquectal grey matter & hippocampus. GABA is removed from the synapse by active transport of astrocytes. GABA receptors are linked to chloride channels. Activation of benzodiazpine receptors enhances effects of GABA on GABA receptors.
In the fetus, GABA is an excitatory neurotransmitter. The surge of maternal oxytocin at birth affects chloride channels in fetal neurons, causing chloride concentrations to drop, and the switch from excitatory to inhibitory neurotransmitter.
Pathology
- 4-hydroxybutyricaciduria is an inborn error of GABA metabolism
Pharmacology
- gabapentin is structurally related to GABA, but does not interact with GABA receptors
Comparative biology
- in two rodent models of autism, chloride concentrations remain high & GABA remains an excitatory neurotransmitter after birth
- prenatal adminitration of bumetanide 1 day prior to delivery eliminated autistic behavior in the rodent offspring[1]
More general terms
Additional terms
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Journal Watch Massachusetts Medical Society http://www.jwatch.org
Tyzio R et al. Oxytocin-mediated GABA inhibition during delivery attenuates autism pathogenesis in rodent offspring. Science 2014 Feb 7; 343:675 <PubMed> PMID: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24503856 <Internet> http://www.sciencemag.org/content/343/6171/620