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The GABA/Benzodiazepine Receptor Complex: Function, Structure and Location

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Molecular Aspects of Neurobiology

Part of the book series: Proceedings in Life Sciences ((LIFE SCIENCES))

Abstract

In mammalian CNS, GABAergic synaptic transmission (GABA = γ-aminobutyric acid) is fundamental to inhibitory feedback and feedforward circuits of projecting neurons and local interneurons. Up to 30% of all synapses in the brain are thought to be GABAergic. The synaptic inhibitory action of GABA is due to the opening of GABA-gated chloride channels, which in turn leads to an increase in the chloride conductance of the subsynaptic membrane. Most frequently, the chloride flux is directed inward, leading to a hyperpolarizing inhibitory postsynaptic potential. In recent years, studies of the GABAergic inhibitory synaptic transmission have unraveled a molecular mechanism by which anxiety, vigilance, muscle tension and the occurrence of convulsions can be regulated.

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© 1986 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Möhler, H., Schoch, P., Richards, J.G. (1986). The GABA/Benzodiazepine Receptor Complex: Function, Structure and Location. In: Montalcini, R.L., Calissano, P., Kandel, E.R., Maggi, A. (eds) Molecular Aspects of Neurobiology. Proceedings in Life Sciences. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-70690-5_18

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-70690-5_18

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-70692-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-70690-5

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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