Search
gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA, Gammalone, Mielomade)
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.
Pharmacology:
- gabapentin is structurally related to GABA, but does not interact with GABA receptors
Pathology:
- 4-hydroxybutyricaciduria is an inborn error of GABA metabolism
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]
Related
gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise)
gamma amino butyric acid [GABA] receptor
General
amine
carboxylate
neurotransmitter
Properties
Database Correlations
PUBCHEM cid=119
References
- 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
PMID: 24503856
http://www.sciencemag.org/content/343/6171/620
Component-of
gamma aminobutyrate/melatonin/valeriana officinalis