Expression and regulation of GABA receptors in the brain

Abstract

GABA receptors are classified into two receptor subtypes: GABA_A and GABA_B receptors. The GABA_A receptor, one of the ionotropic type receptors, is formed by various subunits (α, β, γ and δ subunits) and constitutes the GABA-gated Cl^- channel. The different combinations of these subunits are known to produce functionally heterogeneous GABA_A receptors both pharmacologically and physiologically. On the other hand, GABA_B receptor is known to be metabotropic type which is negatively coupled with adenylate cyclase and inositol phosphate turnover systems via inhibitory GTP binding protein.