Review
Electrophysiology of GABAA and GABAB receptor subtypes

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Abstract

The participation of GABA receptors in the inhibitory transmission at mammalian central synapses was demonstrated experimentally two decades ago. Whilst the ‘classical’ action of GABA involves the opening of Cl channels, pharmacologically distinct effects of GABA on cation channels were detected later. This led to the notion of GABAA and GABAB receptor subtypes. The GABAA receptor complex contains an integral Cl ionophore, whereas GABAB receptors couple to Ca2+ and K+ channels via GTP-binding proteins. The physiological and pharmacological properties of GABAA and GABAB receptors will be discussed below in terms of ion channels that are activated by the two receptor subtypes.

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