View source for GABAA receptor

{{Short description|Ionotropic receptor and ligand-gated ion channel}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor}}
[[File:Fig-GABAA receptor.png|thumb|539x539px|Structure of the [[GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulator|GABA<sub>A</sub>]] receptor (α1β1γ2S: [[Protein Data Bank|PDB]]: [https://www.rcsb.org/structure/6DW1 6DW1]). Top: side view of the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor embedded in a [[cell membrane]]. Bottom: view of the receptor from the extracellular face of the membrane. The subunits are labeled according to the GABA<sub>A</sub> nomenclature and the approximate locations of the GABA and benzodiazepine (BZ) binding sites are noted (between the α- and β-subunits and between the α- and γ-subunits respectively).]]
[[File:GABAA receptor schematic.png|thumb|right|400px|Schematic structure of the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor. '''Left''': GABA<sub>A</sub> monomeric subunit embedded in a [[lipid bilayer]] (yellow lines connected to blue spheres). The four [[transmembrane domain|transmembrane]] [[alpha helix|α-helices]] (1–4) are depicted as cylinders. The disulfide bond in the N-terminal extracellular domain which is characteristic of the family of [[cys-loop receptors]] (which includes the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor) is depicted as a yellow line. '''Right''': Five subunits symmetrically arranged about the central chloride anion conduction pore. The extracellular loops are not depicted for the sake of clarity.]]

The '''GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor''' ('''GABA<sub>A</sub>R''') is an [[ionotropic receptor]] and [[ligand-gated ion channel]]. Its [[endogenous]] [[Ligand (biochemistry)|ligand]] is [[γ-aminobutyric acid]] (GABA), the major inhibitory [[neurotransmitter]] in the [[central nervous system]]. Accurate regulation of GABAergic transmission through appropriate developmental processes, specificity to neural cell types, and responsiveness to activity is crucial for the proper functioning of nearly all aspects of the central nervous system (CNS).<ref name="PMID21555068">{{cite journal |vauthors=Luscher B, Fuchs T, Kilpatrick CL |title=GABAA receptor trafficking-mediated plasticity of inhibitory synapses |journal=Neuron |volume=70 |issue=3 |pages=385–409 |date=May 2011 |pmid=21555068 |pmc=3093971 |doi=10.1016/j.neuron.2011.03.024 }}</ref>
Upon opening, the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor on the [[Chemical synapse|postsynaptic cell]] is selectively permeable to [[Chloride|chloride ions]] ({{chem|Cl|-}}) and, to a lesser extent, [[Bicarbonate|bicarbonate ions]] ({{chem|HCO|3|-}}).<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Oxford handbook of stress, health, and coping|date=2011|publisher=Oxford University Press |last=Folkman |first=Susan.|isbn=978-0-19-537534-3|location=Oxford|oclc=540015689}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Kaila K, Voipio J | title = Postsynaptic fall in intracellular pH induced by GABA-activated bicarbonate conductance | journal = Nature | volume = 330 | issue = 6144 | pages = 163–5 | date = 18 November 1987 | pmid = 3670401 | doi = 10.1038/330163a0 | s2cid = 4330077 | bibcode = 1987Natur.330..163K }}</ref>

GABA<sub>A</sub>R are members of the ligand-gated ion channel receptor superfamily, which is a chloride channel family with a dozen or more heterotetrametric subtypes and 19 distinct subunits. These subtypes have distinct brain regional and subcellular localization, age-dependent expression, and the ability to undergo plastic alterations in response to experience, including drug exposure.<ref name="PMID29407219">{{cite journal |vauthors=Olsen RW |title=GABAA receptor: Positive and negative allosteric modulators |journal=Neuropharmacology |volume=136 |issue=Pt A |pages=10–22 |date=July 2018 |pmid=29407219 |pmc=6027637 |doi=10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.01.036 }}</ref>

GABA<sub>A</sub>R is not just the target of agonist depressants and antagonist convulsants, but most GABA<sub>A</sub>R medicines also act at additional (allosteric) binding sites on GABA<sub>A</sub>R proteins. Some sedatives and anxiolytics, such as benzodiazepines and related medicines, act on GABA<sub>A</sub>R subtype-dependent extracellular domain sites. Alcohols and neurosteroids, among other general anesthetics, act at GABA<sub>A</sub>R subunit-interface transmembrane locations. High anesthetic dosages of ethanol act on GABA<sub>A</sub>R subtype-dependent transmembrane domain locations. Ethanol acts at GABA<sub>A</sub>R subtype-dependent extracellular domain locations at low intoxication concentrations. Thus, GABA<sub>A</sub>R subtypes have pharmacologically distinct receptor binding sites for a diverse range of therapeutically significant neuropharmacological drugs.<ref name="PMID29407219" />

Depending on the [[membrane potential]] and the ionic concentration difference, this can result in ionic fluxes across the pore. If the membrane potential is higher than the [[equilibrium potential]] (also known as the reversal potential) for chloride ions, when the receptor is activated {{chem|Cl|-}} will flow into the cell.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Principles of neural science |veditors=Kandel ER, Schwartz JH, Jessell TM, Siegelbaum S, Hudspeth AJ, Mack S |isbn=978-1-283-65624-5 |edition=5th |publisher=McGraw-Hill |oclc=919404585}}</ref> This causes an inhibitory effect on [[neurotransmission]] by diminishing the chance of a successful [[action potential]] occurring at the postsynaptic cell. The reversal potential of the GABA<sub>A</sub>-mediated [[inhibitory postsynaptic potential]] (IPSP) in normal solution is &minus;70&nbsp;mV, contrasting the [[GABAB receptor|GABA<sub>B</sub>]] IPSP (&minus;100&nbsp;mV).

The [[active site]] of the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor is the binding site for GABA and several drugs such as [[muscimol]], [[gaboxadol]], and [[bicuculline]].<ref name="pmid28528665">{{cite book | vauthors = Chua HC, Chebib M | title = GABAA Receptors and the Diversity in their Structure and Pharmacology | volume = 79 | pages = 1–34 | date = 2017 | pmid = 28528665 | doi = 10.1016/bs.apha.2017.03.003 | series = Advances in Pharmacology | isbn = 978-0-12-810413-2 | chapter = GABA a Receptors and the Diversity in their Structure and Pharmacology | s2cid = 41704867 }}</ref> The protein also contains a number of different [[allosteric|allosteric binding sites]] which modulate the activity of the receptor indirectly. These allosteric sites are the targets of various other drugs, including the [[benzodiazepine]]s, [[nonbenzodiazepine]]s, [[neuroactive steroid]]s, [[barbiturate]]s, [[alcohol (drug)|alcohol]] (ethanol),<ref name="pmid17591544">{{cite journal | vauthors = Santhakumar V, Wallner M, Otis TS | title = Ethanol acts directly on extrasynaptic subtypes of GABAA receptors to increase tonic inhibition | journal = Alcohol | volume = 41 | issue = 3 | pages = 211–221 | date = May 2007 | pmid = 17591544 | pmc = 2040048 | doi = 10.1016/j.alcohol.2007.04.011 }}</ref> [[inhalational anaesthetic|inhaled anaesthetics]], [[kavalactones]], [[cicutoxin]], and [[picrotoxin]], among others.<ref name="Johnston">{{cite journal | vauthors = Johnston GA | title = GABAA receptor pharmacology | journal = Pharmacology & Therapeutics | volume = 69 | issue = 3 | pages = 173–198 | year = 1996 | pmid = 8783370 | doi = 10.1016/0163-7258(95)02043-8 }}</ref>

Binding of GABA to the GABAAR causes the receptor to shift from ordered lipids to clusters of PIP2 in the disordered region of the membrane. The spatial distribution of GABAAR in neurons is regulated by astrocyte derived cholesterol.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Yuan |first1=Zixuan |last2=Pavel |first2=Mahmud Arif |last3=Hansen |first3=Scott B. |title=GABA and astrocytic cholesterol determine the lipid environment of GABAAR in cultured cortical neurons |journal=Communications Biology |date=22 April 2025 |volume=8 |issue=1 |page=647 |doi=10.1038/s42003-025-08026-7 |pmid=40263458 |pmc=12015214 }}</ref> 

Much like the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor, the GABA<sub>B</sub> receptor is an obligatory heterodimer consisting of GABA<sub>B1</sub> and GABA<sub>B2</sub> subunits. These subunits include an extracellular Venus Flytrap domain (VFT) and a transmembrane domain containing seven α-helices (7TM domain). These structural components play a vital role in intricately modulating neurotransmission and interactions with drugs. <ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Evenseth LS, Gabrielsen M, Sylte I |title=The GABAB Receptor-Structure, Ligand Binding and Drug Development |journal=Molecules |volume=25 |issue=13 |date=July 2020 |page=3093 |pmid=32646032 |pmc=7411975 |doi=10.3390/molecules25133093 |doi-access=free }}</ref><!--Olsen RW, Sieghart W-->

== Target for benzodiazepines ==
The [[ionotropic]] GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor protein complex is also the molecular target of the [[benzodiazepine]] class of tranquilizer drugs. Benzodiazepines do not bind to the same receptor ''site'' on the protein complex as does the endogenous ligand [[Gamma-aminobutyric acid|GABA]] (whose binding site is located between α- and β-subunits), but bind to distinct benzodiazepine binding sites situated at the interface between the α- and γ-subunits of α- and γ-subunit containing GABA<sub>A</sub> receptors.<ref name="pmid12171574">{{cite journal | vauthors = Sigel E | title = Mapping of the benzodiazepine recognition site on GABA(A) receptors | journal = Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry | volume = 2 | issue = 8 | pages = 833–9 | date = August 2002 | pmid = 12171574 | doi = 10.2174/1568026023393444 }}</ref><ref name="pmid15530567">{{cite book | vauthors = Akabas MH | title = GABAA receptor structure-function studies: a reexamination in light of new acetylcholine receptor structures | volume = 62 | pages = 1–43 | year = 2004 | pmid = 15530567 | doi = 10.1016/S0074-7742(04)62001-0 | isbn = 978-0-12-366862-2 | series = International Review of Neurobiology }}</ref> While the majority of GABA<sub>A</sub> receptors (those containing α1-, α2-, α3-, or α5-subunits) are benzodiazepine sensitive, there exists a minority of GABA<sub>A</sub> receptors (α4- or α6-subunit containing) which are insensitive to classical 1,4-benzodiazepines,<ref name="pmid15009644">{{cite journal | vauthors = Derry JM, Dunn SM, Davies M | title = Identification of a residue in the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor alpha subunit that differentially affects diazepam-sensitive and -insensitive benzodiazepine site binding | journal = Journal of Neurochemistry | volume = 88 | issue = 6 | pages = 1431–8 | date = March 2004 | pmid = 15009644 | doi = 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2003.02264.x | doi-access =  | s2cid = 83817337 }}</ref> but instead are sensitive to other classes of GABAergic drugs such as [[neurosteroid]]s and alcohol. In addition [[translocator protein|peripheral benzodiazepine receptors]] exist which are not associated with GABA<sub>A</sub> receptors. As a result, the [[International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology|IUPHAR]] has recommended that the terms "''BZ receptor''", "''GABA/BZ receptor''" and "''omega receptor''" no longer be used and that the term "''benzodiazepine receptor''" be replaced with "'''benzodiazepine site'''".<ref name="pmid9647870">{{cite journal | vauthors = Barnard EA, Skolnick P, Olsen RW, Mohler H, Sieghart W, Biggio G, Braestrup C, Bateson AN, Langer SZ | title = International Union of Pharmacology. XV. Subtypes of gamma-aminobutyric acidA receptors: classification on the basis of subunit structure and receptor function | journal = Pharmacological Reviews | volume = 50 | issue = 2 | pages = 291–313 | date = June 1998 | doi = 10.1016/S0031-6997(24)01363-2 | pmid = 9647870 | url = http://pharmrev.aspetjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/50/2/291 | archive-date = 2009-03-14 | access-date = 2008-06-20 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090314082829/http://pharmrev.aspetjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/50/2/291 | url-status = dead | url-access = subscription }}</ref> Benzodiazepines like diazepam and midazolam act as positive allosteric modulators for GABA<sub>A</sub> receptors. When these receptors are activated, there's a rise in intracellular chloride levels, resulting in cell membrane hyperpolarization and decreased excitation.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Gidal B, Detyniecki K |title=Rescue therapies for seizure clusters: Pharmacology and target of treatments |journal=Epilepsia |volume=63 |issue=Suppl 1 |pages=S34–S44 |date=September 2022 |pmid=35999174 |pmc=9543841 |doi=10.1111/epi.17341 }}</ref>

In order for GABA<sub>A</sub> receptors to be sensitive to the action of benzodiazepines they need to contain an α and a γ subunit, between which the benzodiazepine binds. Once bound, the benzodiazepine locks the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor into a conformation where the neurotransmitter GABA has much higher affinity for the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor, increasing the frequency of opening of the associated chloride ion channel and hyperpolarising the membrane. This potentiates the inhibitory effect of the available GABA leading to sedative and anxiolytic effects.<ref name="pmid30044221">{{cite journal | vauthors = Phulera S, Zhu H, Yu J, Claxton DP, Yoder N, Yoshioka C, Gouaux E | title = Cryo-EM structure of the benzodiazepine-sensitive α1β1γ2S tri-heteromeric GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor in complex with GABA | journal = eLife | volume = 7 | pages = e39383 | date = July 2018 | pmid = 30044221 | pmc = 6086659 | doi = 10.7554/eLife.39383 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

Different benzodiazepines have different affinities for GABA<sub>A</sub> receptors made up of different collection of subunits, and this means that their pharmacological profile varies with subtype selectivity. For instance, benzodiazepine receptor ligands with high activity at the α1 and/or α5 tend to be more associated with [[sedation]], [[ataxia]] and [[amnesia]], whereas those with higher activity at GABA<sub>A</sub> receptors containing α2 and/or α3 subunits generally have greater [[anxiolytic]] activity.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Atack JR | title = Anxioselective compounds acting at the GABA(A) receptor benzodiazepine binding site | journal = Current Drug Targets. CNS and Neurological Disorders | volume = 2 | issue = 4 | pages = 213–232 | date = August 2003 | pmid = 12871032 | doi = 10.2174/1568007033482841 }}</ref> [[Anticonvulsant]] effects can be produced by agonists acting at any of the GABA<sub>A</sub> subtypes, but current research in this area is focused mainly on producing α<sub>2</sub>-selective agonists as anticonvulsants which lack the side effects of older drugs such as sedation and amnesia.

The binding site for benzodiazepines is distinct from the binding site for [[barbiturates]] and GABA on the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor, and also produces different effects on binding,<ref name="pmid18367615">{{cite journal | vauthors = Hanson SM, Czajkowski C | title = Structural mechanisms underlying benzodiazepine modulation of the GABA(A) receptor | journal = The Journal of Neuroscience | volume = 28 | issue = 13 | pages = 3490–9 | date = March 2008 | pmid = 18367615 | pmc = 2410040 | doi = 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.5727-07.2008 }}</ref> with the benzodiazepines increasing the frequency of the chloride channel opening, while barbiturates increase the duration of chloride channel opening when GABA is bound.<ref name="pmid2471436">{{cite journal | vauthors = Twyman RE, Rogers CJ, Macdonald RL | title = Differential regulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor channels by diazepam and phenobarbital | journal = Annals of Neurology | volume = 25 | issue = 3 | pages = 213–220 | date = March 1989 | pmid = 2471436 | doi = 10.1002/ana.410250302 | hdl = 2027.42/50330 | s2cid = 72023197 | hdl-access = free }}</ref> Since these are separate modulatory effects, they can both take place at the same time, and so the combination of benzodiazepines with barbiturates is strongly synergistic, and can be dangerous if dosage is not strictly controlled.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Hanson SM, Czajkowski C |title=Structural mechanisms underlying benzodiazepine modulation of the GABA(A) receptor |journal=J Neurosci |volume=28 |issue=13 |pages=3490–9 |date=March 2008 |pmid=18367615 |pmc=2410040 |doi=10.1523/JNEUROSCI.5727-07.2008 }}</ref>

Also note that some GABA<sub>A</sub> agonists such as [[muscimol]] and [[gaboxadol]] do bind to the same site on the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor complex as GABA itself, and consequently produce effects which are similar but not identical to those of positive allosteric modulators like benzodiazepines.

==Structure and function==
[[File:GABAA-receptor-protein-example-en.svg|thumb|right|275px|Schematic diagram of a GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor protein ((α1)<sub>2</sub>(β2)<sub>2</sub>(γ2)) which illustrates the five combined subunits that form the protein, the chloride ({{chem|Cl|-}}) ion channel pore, the two GABA active binding sites at the α1 and β2 interfaces, and the benzodiazepine (BZD) allosteric binding site<ref name="pmid22446838">{{cite journal|vauthors=Richter L, de Graaf C, Sieghart W, Varagic Z, Mörzinger M, de Esch IJ, Ecker GF, Ernst M|date=March 2012|title=Diazepam-bound GABAA receptor models identify new benzodiazepine binding-site ligands|journal=Nature Chemical Biology|volume=8|issue=5|pages=455–464|doi=10.1038/nchembio.917|pmc=3368153|pmid=22446838}}</ref>]]
[[File:6x3v GABAA-Rezeptorstruktur.png|thumb|Side view of the [[Electron microscope|EM]] structure of the α1β3γ2 GABAA receptor. GABA and the anaesthetic [[etomidate]] are coloured magenta. Subunits in different colours. One alpha and one beta subunit is hidden. Green chloride ions illustrated in the channel pore.<ref name="pmid32879488">{{cite journal | vauthors = Kim JJ, Gharpure A, Teng J, Zhuang Y, Howard RJ, Zhu S, Noviello CM, Walsh RM, Lindahl E, Hibbs RE | display-authors = 6 | title = Shared structural mechanisms of general anaesthetics and benzodiazepines | journal = Nature | volume = 585 | issue = 7824 | pages = 303–308 | date = September 2020 | pmid = 32879488 | pmc = 7486282 | doi = 10.1038/s41586-020-2654-5 }}</ref>]]
Structural understanding of the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor was initially based on homology models, obtained using crystal structures of homologous proteins like Acetylcholine binding protein (AChBP) and nicotinic acetylcholine (nACh) receptors as templates.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Ernst M, Bruckner S, Boresch S, Sieghart W | title = Comparative models of GABAA receptor extracellular and transmembrane domains: important insights in pharmacology and function | journal = Molecular Pharmacology | volume = 68 | issue = 5 | pages = 1291–1300 | date = November 2005 | pmid = 16103045 | doi = 10.1124/mol.105.015982 | s2cid = 15678338 | url = http://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/c200/428f6c9e06f04a085de7868e10242f1823ac.pdf | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190303035531/http://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/c200/428f6c9e06f04a085de7868e10242f1823ac.pdf | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2019-03-03 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Vijayan RS, Trivedi N, Roy SN, Bera I, Manoharan P, Payghan PV, Bhattacharyya D, Ghoshal N | title = Modeling the closed and open state conformations of the GABA(A) ion channel--plausible structural insights for channel gating | journal = Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling | volume = 52 | issue = 11 | pages = 2958–2969 | date = November 2012 | pmid = 23116339 | doi = 10.1021/ci300189a }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Mokrab Y, Bavro V, Mizuguchi K, Todorov NP, Martin IL, Dunn SM, Chan SL, Chau PL | title = Exploring ligand recognition and ion flow in comparative models of the human GABA type A receptor | journal = Journal of Molecular Graphics and Modelling | volume = 26 | issue = 4 | pages = 760–774 | date = November 2007 | doi = 10.1016/j.jmgm.2007.04.012 | pmid = 17544304 | bibcode = 2007JMGM...26..760M }}</ref> The much sought structure of a GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor was finally resolved, with the disclosure of the crystal structure of human β3 homopentameric GABA<sub>A </sub> receptor.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Miller PS, Aricescu AR | title = Crystal structure of a human GABAA receptor | journal = Nature | volume = 512 | issue = 7514 | pages = 270–275 | date = August 2014 | pmid = 24909990 | pmc = 4167603 | doi = 10.1038/nature13293 | bibcode = 2014Natur.512..270M }}</ref>
Whilst this was a major development, the majority of GABA<sub>A</sub> receptors are heteromeric and the structure did not provide any details of the benzodiazepine binding site. This was finally elucidated in 2018 by the publication of a high resolution [[cryo-EM]] structure of rat α1β1γ2S receptor<ref name="pmid30044221" /> and human α1β2γ2 receptor bound with GABA and the neutral benzodiazepine flumazenil.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Zhu S, Noviello CM, Teng J, Walsh RM, Kim JJ, Hibbs RE | title = Structure of a human synaptic GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor | journal = Nature | volume = 559 | issue = 7712 | pages = 67–72 | date = July 2018 | pmid = 29950725 | pmc = 6220708 | doi = 10.1038/s41586-018-0255-3 | bibcode = 2018Natur.559...67Z }}</ref>

GABA<sub>A</sub> receptors are [[pentamer]]ic [[transmembrane receptor]]s which consist of five subunits arranged around a central [[Ion channel pore|pore]]. Each subunit comprises four transmembrane domains with both the N- and C-terminus located extracellularly. The receptor sits in the [[cell membrane|membrane]] of its [[neuron]], usually localized at a [[synapse]], postsynaptically. However, some isoforms may be found extrasynaptically.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Wei W, Zhang N, Peng Z, Houser CR, Mody I | title = Perisynaptic localization of delta subunit-containing GABA(A) receptors and their activation by GABA spillover in the mouse dentate gyrus | journal = The Journal of Neuroscience | volume = 23 | issue = 33 | pages = 10650–61 | date = November 2003 | pmid = 14627650 | pmc = 6740905 | doi = 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.23-33-10650.2003 }}</ref> When [[Synaptic vesicle|vesicles]] of GABA are released presynaptically and activate the GABA receptors at the synapse, this is known as phasic inhibition. However, the GABA escaping from the synaptic cleft can activate receptors on presynaptic terminals or at neighbouring synapses on the same or adjacent neurons (a phenomenon termed 'spillover') in addition to the constant, low GABA concentrations in the extracellular space results in persistent activation of the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptors known as tonic inhibition.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Farrant M, Nusser Z | title = Variations on an inhibitory theme: phasic and tonic activation of GABA(A) receptors | journal = Nature Reviews. Neuroscience | volume = 6 | issue = 3 | pages = 215–29 | date = March 2005 | pmid = 15738957 | doi = 10.1038/nrn1625 | s2cid = 18552767 }}</ref>

The [[ligand (biochemistry)|ligand]] GABA is the [[endogenous]] compound that causes this receptor to open; once bound to GABA, the [[protein]] receptor changes conformation within the membrane, opening the pore in order to allow [[chloride]] [[anion]]s ({{chem|Cl|-}}) and, to a lesser extent, [[Bicarbonate|bicarbonate ions]] ({{chem|HCO|3|-}}) to pass down their [[membrane potential|electrochemical gradient]]. The binding site to GABA is about 80Å away from the narrowest part of the ion channel. Recent computational studies have suggested an allosteric mechanism whereby GABA binding leads to ion channel opening.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Várnai C, Irwin BW, Payne MC, Csányi G, Chau PL | title = Functional movements of the GABA type A receptor | journal = Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics | volume = 22 | issue = 28 | pages = 16023–16031 | date = July 2020 | pmid = 32633279 | doi = 10.1039/D0CP01128B | bibcode = 2020PCCP...2216023V | doi-access = free }}</ref> Because the [[reversal potential]] for chloride in most mature neurons is close to or more negative than the resting [[membrane potential]], activation of GABA<sub>A</sub> receptors tends to stabilize or hyperpolarise the resting potential, and can make it more difficult for excitatory [[neurotransmitter]]s to [[Depolarization|depolarize]] the neuron and generate an [[action potential]]. The net effect therefore typically inhibitory, reducing the activity of the neuron, although depolarizing currents have been observed in response to GABA in immature neurons in early development. This effect during development is due to a modified {{chem|Cl|-}} gradient wherein the anions leave the cells through the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptors, since their intracellular chlorine concentration is higher than the extracellular.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Ben-Ari Y, Cherubini E, Corradetti R, Gaiarsa JL | title = Giant synaptic potentials in immature rat CA3 hippocampal neurones | journal = The Journal of Physiology | volume = 416 | pages = 303–325 | date = September 1989 | pmid = 2575165 | pmc = 1189216 | doi = 10.1113/jphysiol.1989.sp017762 }}</ref> The difference in extracellular chlorine anion concentration is presumed to be due to the higher activity of chloride transporters, such as [[Na-K-Cl cotransporter|NKCC1]], transporting chloride into cells which are present early in development, whereas, for instance, [[Chloride potassium symporter 5|KCC2]] transports chloride out of cells and is the dominant factor in establishing the chloride gradient later in development. These depolarization events have shown to be key in neuronal development.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Spitzer NC | title = How GABA generates depolarization | journal = The Journal of Physiology | volume = 588 | issue = Pt 5 | pages = 757–758 | date = March 2010 | pmid = 20194137 | pmc = 2834934 | doi = 10.1113/jphysiol.2009.183574 }}</ref> In the mature neuron, the GABA<sub>A</sub> channel opens quickly and thus contributes to the early part of the [[inhibitory post-synaptic potential]] (IPSP).<ref name="isbn0-397-51820-X">{{harvnb|16. GABA and Glycine|1999}}</ref><ref name="Chen">{{cite journal | vauthors = Chen K, Li HZ, Ye N, Zhang J, Wang JJ | title = Role of GABAB receptors in GABA and baclofen-induced inhibition of adult rat cerebellar interpositus nucleus neurons in vitro | journal = Brain Research Bulletin | volume = 67 | issue = 4 | pages = 310–318 | date = October 2005 | pmid = 16182939 | doi = 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2005.07.004 | s2cid = 6433030 }}</ref>
The endogenous ligand that binds to the benzodiazepine site is [[inosine]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Yarom M, Tang XW, Wu E, Carlson RG, Vander Velde D, Lee X, Wu J | title = Identification of inosine as an endogenous modulator for the benzodiazepine binding site of the GABAA receptors | journal = Journal of Biomedical Science | volume = 5 | issue = 4 | pages = 274–280 | date = 2016-08-01 | pmid = 9691220 | doi = 10.1007/bf02255859 }}</ref>

Proper developmental, neuronal cell-type-specific, and activity-dependent GABAergic transmission control is required for nearly all aspects of CNS function.<ref name="PMID21555068" />

It has been proposed that the GABAergic system is disrupted in numerous neurodevelopmental diseases, including fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, and Dravet syndrome, and that it is a crucial potential target for therapeutic intervention.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Braat S, Kooy RF |title=The GABAA Receptor as a Therapeutic Target for Neurodevelopmental Disorders |journal=Neuron |volume=86 |issue=5 |pages=1119–30 |date=June 2015 |pmid=26050032 |doi=10.1016/j.neuron.2015.03.042 |doi-access=free }}</ref>

===Subunits===
GABA<sub>A</sub> receptors are members of the large pentameric ligand gated ion channel (previously referred to as "''Cys''-loop" receptors) super-family of evolutionarily related and structurally similar [[ligand-gated ion channel]]s that also includes [[nicotinic acetylcholine receptor]]s, [[glycine receptor]]s, and the [[5-HT3 receptor|5HT<sub>3</sub> receptor]]. There are numerous subunit [[isoform]]s for the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor, which determine the receptor's agonist affinity, chance of opening, conductance, and other properties.<ref name="Cossart">{{cite journal | vauthors = Cossart R, Bernard C, Ben-Ari Y | title = Multiple facets of GABAergic neurons and synapses: multiple fates of GABA signalling in epilepsies | journal = Trends in Neurosciences | volume = 28 | issue = 2 | pages = 108–115 | date = February 2005 | pmid = 15667934 | doi = 10.1016/j.tins.2004.11.011 | s2cid = 1424286 }}</ref>

In humans, the units are as follows:
* six types of α subunits ([[GABRA1]], [[GABRA2]], [[GABRA3]], [[GABRA4]], [[GABRA5]], [[GABRA6]])
* three βs ([[GABRB1]], [[GABRB2]], [[GABRB3]])
* three γs ([[GABRG1]], [[GABRG2]], [[GABRG3]])
* as well as a δ ([[GABRD]]), an ε ([[GABRE]]), a π ([[GABRP]]), and a θ ([[GABRQ]])

There are three ρ units ([[GABRR1]], [[GABRR2]], [[GABRR3]]); however, these do not coassemble with the classical GABA<sub>A</sub> units listed above,<ref name="Enz">{{cite journal | vauthors = Enz R, Cutting GR | title = Molecular composition of GABAC receptors | journal = Vision Research | volume = 38 | issue = 10 | pages = 1431–1441 | date = May 1998 | pmid = 9667009 | doi = 10.1016/S0042-6989(97)00277-0 | s2cid = 14457042 | doi-access =  }}</ref> but rather homooligomerize to form [[GABAA-rho receptor|GABA<sub>A</sub>-ρ receptors]] (formerly classified as GABA<sub>C</sub> receptors but now this [[nomenclature]] has been deprecated<ref name="pmid18760291">{{cite journal | vauthors = Olsen RW, Sieghart W | title = GABA A receptors: subtypes provide diversity of function and pharmacology | journal = Neuropharmacology | volume = 56 | issue = 1 | pages = 141–148 | date = January 2009 | pmid = 18760291 | pmc = 3525320 | doi = 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2008.07.045 }}</ref>).

=== Combinatorial arrays ===
Given the large number of GABA<sub>A</sub> receptors, a great diversity of final pentameric receptor subtypes is possible. Methods to produce cell-based laboratory access to a greater number of possible GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor subunit combinations allow teasing apart of the contribution of specific receptor subtypes and their physiological and pathophysiological function and role in the CNS and in disease.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Shekdar K, Langer J, Venkatachalan S, Schmid L, Anobile J, Shah P, Lancaster A, Babich O, Dedova O, Sawchuk D | display-authors = 6 | title = Cell engineering method using fluorogenic oligonucleotide signaling probes and flow cytometry | journal = Biotechnology Letters | date = March 2021 | volume = 43 | issue = 5 | pages = 949–958 | pmid = 33683511 | pmc = 7937778 | doi = 10.1007/s10529-021-03101-5 }}</ref>

=== Distribution ===
GABA<sub>A</sub> receptors are responsible for most of the physiological activities of GABA in the central nervous system, and the receptor subtypes vary significantly. Subunit composition can vary widely between regions and subtypes may be associated with specific functions. The minimal requirement to produce a GABA-gated ion channel is the inclusion of an α and a β subunit.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Connolly CN, Krishek BJ, McDonald BJ, Smart TG, Moss SJ | title = Assembly and cell surface expression of heteromeric and homomeric gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors | journal = The Journal of Biological Chemistry | volume = 271 | issue = 1 | pages = 89–96 | date = January 1996 | pmid = 8550630 | doi = 10.1074/jbc.271.1.89 | doi-access = free }}</ref> The most common GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor is a pentamer comprising two α's, two β's, and a γ (α<sub>2</sub>β<sub>2</sub>γ). In neurons themselves, the type of GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor subunits and their densities can vary between [[cell bodies]] and [[dendrites]].<ref name="pmid17626281">{{cite journal | vauthors = Lorenzo LE, Russier M, Barbe A, Fritschy JM, Bras H | title = Differential organization of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A and glycine receptors in the somatic and dendritic compartments of rat abducens motoneurons | journal = The Journal of Comparative Neurology | volume = 504 | issue = 2 | pages = 112–126 | date = September 2007 | pmid = 17626281 | doi = 10.1002/cne.21442 | s2cid = 26123520 }}</ref> Benzodiazepines and barbiturates amplify the inhibitory effects mediated by the GABAA receptor.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Macdonald RL, Kelly KM |title=Antiepileptic drug mechanisms of action |journal=Epilepsia |volume=36 |issue= Suppl 2|pages=S2–12 |date=1995 |pmid=8784210 |doi=10.1111/j.1528-1157.1995.tb05996.x |hdl=2027.42/66291 |hdl-access=free }}</ref>
GABA<sub>A</sub> receptors can also be found in other tissues, including [[leydig cells]], [[placenta]], [[immune cells]], [[liver]], [[Epiphyseal plate|bone growth plates]] and several other [[Endocrine system|endocrine tissues]]. Subunit expression varies between 'normal' tissue and [[malignancies]], as GABA<sub>A</sub> receptors can influence [[cell proliferation]].<ref>{{cite thesis |first=A.L. ten |last=Hoeve |title=GABA receptors and the immune system |date=2012 |type= |hdl=20.500.12932/10140 |publisher=Utrecht University |url=https://studenttheses.uu.nl/bitstream/handle/20.500.12932/10140/GABA%20receptors%20and%20the%20immune%20system-012012.pdf?sequence=1}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible"
|+Distribution of Receptor Types<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Mortensen M, Patel B, Smart TG | title = GABA Potency at GABA(A) Receptors Found in Synaptic and Extrasynaptic Zones | journal = Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience | volume = 6 | pages = 1 | date = January 2011 | pmid = 22319471 | pmc = 3262152 | doi = 10.3389/fncel.2012.00001 | doi-access = free }}</ref>
!Isoform
!Synaptic/Extrasynaptic
!Anatomical location
|-
|α1β3γ2S
|Both
|Widespread
|-
|α2β3γ2S
|Both
|Widespread
|-
|α3β3γ2S
|Both
|[[Thalamic reticular nucleus|Reticular thalamic nucleus]]
|-
|α4β3γ2S
|Both
|Thalamic relay cells
|-
|α5β3γ2S
|Both
|Hippocampal pyramidal cells
|-
|α6β3γ2S
|Both
|Cerebellar granule cells
|-
|α1β2γ2S
|Both
|Widespread, most abundant
|-
|α4β3δ
|Extrasynaptic
|Thalamic relay cells
|-
|α6β3δ
|Extrasynaptic
|Cerebellar granule cells
|-
|α1β2
|Extrasynaptic
|Widespread
|-
|α1β3
|Extrasynaptic
|Thalamus, hypothalamus
|-
|α1β2δ
|Extrasynaptic
|Hippocampus
|-
|α4β2δ
|Extrasynaptic
|Hippocampus, Prefrontal cortex
|-
|α3β3θ
|Extrasynaptic
|Hypothalamus
|-
|α3β3ε
|Extrasynaptic
|Hypothalamus
|}

== Ligands ==
[[File:GABAa receptor.gif|thumb|350px|GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor and where various ligands bind.]]
A number of [[ligand (biochemistry)|ligands]] have been found to bind to various sites on the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor complex and modulate it besides GABA itself.{{which|date=May 2016}} A ligand can possess one or more properties of the following types. Unfortunately the literature often does not distinguish these types properly.

=== Types ===
[[File:6X3Z GABAAR GABA.png|thumb|GABA bound at its orthosteric site in the beta-alpha interface of an α1β2γ2 GABAA receptor. H-atoms hidden.]]
* [[Agonist|Orthosteric agonists]] and [[Receptor antagonist|antagonists]]<!--inverse agonists?-->: bind to the main receptor site (the site where GABA normally binds, also referred to as the "active" or "orthosteric" site). Agonists activate the receptor, resulting in increased {{chem|Cl|-}} conductance. Antagonists, though they have no effect on their own, compete with GABA for binding and thereby inhibit its action, resulting in decreased {{chem|Cl|-}} conductance.
* [[Allosteric modulator|First order allosteric modulators]]: bind to allosteric sites on the receptor complex and affect it either in a positive (PAM), negative (NAM) or neutral/silent (SAM) manner, causing increased or decreased efficiency of the main site and therefore an indirect increase or decrease in {{chem|Cl|-}} conductance. SAMs do not affect the conductance, but occupy the binding site.
* [[Allosteric modulator|Second order modulators]]: bind to an allosteric site on the receptor complex and modulate the effect of first order modulators.
* [[Channel blocker|Open channel blockers]]: prolong ligand-receptor occupancy, activation kinetics and Cl ion flux in a subunit configuration-dependent and sensitization-state dependent manner.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Haseneder R, Rammes G, Zieglgänsberger W, Kochs E, Hapfelmeier G | title = GABA(A) receptor activation and open-channel block by volatile anaesthetics: a new principle of receptor modulation? | journal = European Journal of Pharmacology | volume = 451 | issue = 1 | pages = 43–50 | date = September 2002 | pmid = 12223227 | doi = 10.1016/S0014-2999(02)02194-5 }}</ref>
* [[Channel blocker|Non-competitive channel blockers]]: bind to or near the central pore of the receptor complex and directly block {{chem|Cl|-}} conductance through the ion channel.

=== Examples ===
* Orthosteric agonists: [[GABA]], [[gaboxadol]], [[isoguvacine]], [[muscimol]], [[progabide]], [[beta-alanine]],<ref name="Mori 191–200">{{cite journal | vauthors = Mori M, Gähwiler BH, Gerber U | title = Beta-alanine and taurine as endogenous agonists at glycine receptors in rat hippocampus in vitro | journal = The Journal of Physiology | volume = 539 | issue = Pt 1 | pages = 191–200 | date = February 2002 | pmid = 11850512 | pmc = 2290126 | doi = 10.1113/jphysiol.2001.013147 }}</ref><ref name="Horikoshi 97–105">{{cite journal | vauthors = Horikoshi T, Asanuma A, Yanagisawa K, Anzai K, Goto S | title = Taurine and beta-alanine act on both GABA and glycine receptors in Xenopus oocyte injected with mouse brain messenger RNA | journal = Brain Research | volume = 464 | issue = 2 | pages = 97–105 | date = September 1988 | pmid = 2464409 | doi = 10.1016/0169-328x(88)90002-2 }}</ref> [[taurine]],<ref name="Horikoshi 97–105"/><ref name="Mori 191–200"/> [[piperidine-4-sulfonic acid]] (partial agonist).
* Orthosteric antagonists: [[bicuculline]], [[gabazine]].
* Positive allosteric modulators: [[abecarnil]],<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Dn |first1=Stephens |last2=Hh |first2=Schneider |last3=W |first3=Kehr |last4=Js |first4=Andrews |last5=Kj |first5=Rettig |last6=L |first6=Turski |last7=R |first7=Schmiechen |last8=Jd |first8=Turner |last9=Lh |first9=Jensen |last10=En |first10=Petersen |date=April 1990 |title=Abecarnil, a metabolically stable, anxioselective beta-carboline acting at benzodiazepine receptors |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1970361/ |journal=The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics |language=en |volume=253 |issue=1 |pages=334–343 |doi=10.1016/S0022-3565(25)12465-8 |issn=0022-3565 |pmid=1970361}}</ref> [[Abecarnil|azocarnil]]<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Maleeva |first1=Galyna |last2=Nin-Hill |first2=Alba |last3=Wirth |first3=Ulrike |last4=Rustler |first4=Karin |last5=Ranucci |first5=Matteo |last6=Opar |first6=Ekin |last7=Rovira |first7=Carme |last8=Bregestovski |first8=Piotr |last9=Zeilhofer |first9=Hanns Ulrich |last10=König |first10=Burkhard |last11=Alfonso-Prieto |first11=Mercedes |last12=Gorostiza |first12=Pau |date=2024-10-09 |title=Light-Activated Agonist-Potentiator of GABA A Receptors for Reversible Neuroinhibition in Wildtype Mice |journal=Journal of the American Chemical Society |volume=146 |issue=42 |pages=28822–28831 |language=en |doi=10.1021/jacs.4c08446 |pmid=39383450 |issn=0002-7863|pmc=11503767 |bibcode=2024JAChS.14628822M }}</ref> ([[Photoswitch|photoswitchable]]), [[barbiturate]]s, [[benzodiazepine]]s, certain [[carbamates]] (e.g., [[carisoprodol]], [[meprobamate]], [[lorbamate]]), [[honokiol]], [[magnolol]], [[baicalin]], [[baicelin]], [[thienodiazepine]]s, [[alcohol (drug)|alcohol]] ([[ethanol]]), [[etomidate]], [[glutethimide]], [[kavalactone]]s,<ref name="Hunter">{{cite journal |author=Hunter, A | title=Kava (Piper methysticum) back in circulation | journal=Australian Centre for Complementary Medicine |volume=25 | issue=7 | year=2006 | page=529}}</ref> [[meprobamate]], [[quinazolinone]]s (e.g., [[methaqualone]], [[etaqualone]], [[diproqualone]]), [[neuroactive steroid]]s,<ref name="neuroactive_steroid">(a) {{cite journal | vauthors = Herd MB, Belelli D, Lambert JJ | title = Neurosteroid modulation of synaptic and extrasynaptic GABA(A) receptors | journal = Pharmacology & Therapeutics | volume = 116 | issue = 1 | pages = 20–34 | date = October 2007 | pmid = 17531325 | doi = 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2007.03.007 | url = http://www.journals.elsevier.com/pharmacology-and-therapeutics | arxiv = 1607.02870 }}<br/>(b) {{cite journal | vauthors = Hosie AM, Wilkins ME, da Silva HM, Smart TG | title = Endogenous neurosteroids regulate GABAA receptors through two discrete transmembrane sites | journal = Nature | volume = 444 | issue = 7118 | pages = 486–9 | date = November 2006 | pmid = 17108970 | doi = 10.1038/nature05324 | bibcode = 2006Natur.444..486H | s2cid = 4382394 }}<br/>(c) {{cite journal | vauthors = Agís-Balboa RC, Pinna G, Zhubi A, Maloku E, Veldic M, Costa E, Guidotti A | title = Characterization of brain neurons that express enzymes mediating neurosteroid biosynthesis | journal = Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America | volume = 103 | issue = 39 | pages = 14602–7 | date = September 2006 | pmid = 16984997 | pmc = 1600006 | doi = 10.1073/pnas.0606544103 | bibcode = 2006PNAS..10314602A | doi-access = free }}<br/>(d) {{cite journal | vauthors = Akk G, Shu HJ, Wang C, Steinbach JH, Zorumski CF, Covey DF, Mennerick S | title = Neurosteroid access to the GABAA receptor | journal = The Journal of Neuroscience | volume = 25 | issue = 50 | pages = 11605–13 | date = December 2005 | pmid = 16354918 | pmc = 6726021 | doi = 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4173-05.2005 }}<br/>(e) {{cite journal | vauthors = Belelli D, Lambert JJ | title = Neurosteroids: endogenous regulators of the GABA(A) receptor | journal = Nature Reviews. Neuroscience | volume = 6 | issue = 7 | pages = 565–575 | date = July 2005 | pmid = 15959466 | doi = 10.1038/nrn1703 | s2cid = 12596378 }}<br/>(f) {{cite journal | vauthors = Pinna G, Costa E, Guidotti A | title = Fluoxetine and norfluoxetine stereospecifically and selectively increase brain neurosteroid content at doses that are inactive on 5-HT reuptake | journal = Psychopharmacology | volume = 186 | issue = 3 | pages = 362–372 | date = June 2006 | pmid = 16432684 | doi = 10.1007/s00213-005-0213-2 | s2cid = 7799814 }}<br/>(g) {{cite journal | vauthors = Dubrovsky BO | title = Steroids, neuroactive steroids and neurosteroids in psychopathology | journal = Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry | volume = 29 | issue = 2 | pages = 169–192 | date = February 2005 | pmid = 15694225 | doi = 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2004.11.001 | s2cid = 36197603 }}<br/>(h) {{cite journal | vauthors = Mellon SH, Griffin LD | title = Neurosteroids: biochemistry and clinical significance | journal = Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism | volume = 13 | issue = 1 | pages = 35–43 | year = 2002 | pmid = 11750861 | doi = 10.1016/S1043-2760(01)00503-3 | s2cid = 11605131 }}<br/>(i) {{cite journal | vauthors = Puia G, Santi MR, Vicini S, Pritchett DB, Purdy RH, Paul SM, Seeburg PH, Costa E | title = Neurosteroids act on recombinant human GABAA receptors | journal = Neuron | volume = 4 | issue = 5 | pages = 759–765 | date = May 1990 | pmid = 2160838 | doi = 10.1016/0896-6273(90)90202-Q | s2cid = 12626366 }}<br/>(j) {{cite journal | vauthors = Majewska MD, Harrison NL, Schwartz RD, Barker JL, Paul SM | title = Steroid hormone metabolites are barbiturate-like modulators of the GABA receptor | journal = Science | volume = 232 | issue = 4753 | pages = 1004–7 | date = May 1986 | pmid = 2422758 | doi = 10.1126/science.2422758 | url = https://zenodo.org/record/1230988 | bibcode = 1986Sci...232.1004D }}<br/>(k) {{cite book |vauthors=Reddy DS, Rogawski MA | chapter = Neurosteroids — Endogenous Regulators of Seizure Susceptibility and Role in the Treatment of Epilepsy |veditors=Noebels JL, Avoli M, Rogawski MA |title = Jasper's Basic Mechanisms of the Epilepsies [Internet] |edition=4th |publisher=National Center for Biotechnology Information (US) | date = 2012 | chapter-url = https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK98218/ |id=NBK98218 |display-editors=etal | pmid = 22787590 }}</ref> [[Niacin (nutrient)|niacin]]/[[niacinamide]],<ref>{{cite journal| vauthors = Toraskar M, Singh PR, Neve S |title=STUDY OF GABAERGIC AGONISTS|journal=Deccan Journal of Pharmacology|year=2010|volume=1|issue=2|pages=56–69|url=http://www.ijdpls.com/uploaded/journal_files/120402040442.pdf|access-date=2013-02-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016082147/http://www.ijdpls.com/uploaded/journal_files/120402040442.pdf|archive-date=2013-10-16|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[nonbenzodiazepine]]s (e.g., [[zolpidem]], [[eszopiclone]]), [[propofol]], [[stiripentol]],<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Fisher JL | title = The anti-convulsant stiripentol acts directly on the GABA(A) receptor as a positive allosteric modulator | journal = Neuropharmacology | volume = 56 | issue = 1 | pages = 190–7 | date = January 2009 | pmid = 18585399 | pmc = 2665930 | doi = 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2008.06.004 }}</ref> [[theanine]],{{citation needed|date=November 2017}} [[valerenic acid]], [[Volatile anaesthetic|volatile/inhaled]] [[anesthetic]]s, [[lanthanum]],<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Boldyreva AA | title = Lanthanum potentiates GABA-activated currents in rat pyramidal neurons of CA1 hippocampal field | journal = Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine | volume = 140 | issue = 4 | pages = 403–5 | date = October 2005 | pmid = 16671565 | doi = 10.1007/s10517-005-0503-z | s2cid = 13179025 }}</ref> [[riluzole]],<ref name="pmid11804616">{{cite journal | vauthors = He Y, Benz A, Fu T, Wang M, Covey DF, Zorumski CF, Mennerick S | title = Neuroprotective agent riluzole potentiates postsynaptic GABA(A) receptor function | journal = Neuropharmacology | volume = 42 | issue = 2 | pages = 199–209 | date = February 2002 | pmid = 11804616 | doi = 10.1016/s0028-3908(01)00175-7 | s2cid = 24194421 }}</ref> and [[menthol]].<ref>{{cite journal | pmc=4243856 | date=2014 | last1=Lau | first1=B. K. | last2=Karim | first2=S. | last3=Goodchild | first3=A. K. | last4=Vaughan | first4=C. W. | last5=Drew | first5=G. M. | title=Menthol enhances phasic and tonic GABAA receptor-mediated currents in midbrain periaqueductal grey neurons | journal=British Journal of Pharmacology | volume=171 | issue=11 | pages=2803–13 | doi=10.1111/bph.12602 | pmid=24460753 }}</ref>
* Negative allosteric modulators: [[flumazenil]], [[Ro15-4513]], [[sarmazenil]], [[pregnenolone sulfate]], [[amentoflavone]], and [[zinc]].<ref name="pmid12640458">{{cite journal | vauthors = Hosie AM, Dunne EL, Harvey RJ, Smart TG | title = Zinc-mediated inhibition of GABA(A) receptors: discrete binding sites underlie subtype specificity | journal = Nature Neuroscience | volume = 6 | issue = 4 | pages = 362–9 | date = April 2003 | pmid = 12640458 | doi = 10.1038/nn1030 | s2cid = 24096465 }}</ref>
* Inverse allosteric agonists: [[beta-carbolines]] (e.g., [[harmine]], [[harmaline]], [[tetrahydroharmine]]).
* Second-order modulators: [[Epigallocatechin gallate|(−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Campbell EL, Chebib M, Johnston GA | title = The dietary flavonoids apigenin and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate enhance the positive modulation by diazepam of the activation by GABA of recombinant GABA(A) receptors | journal = Biochemical Pharmacology | volume = 68 | issue = 8 | pages = 1631–8 | date = October 2004 | pmid = 15451406 | doi = 10.1016/j.bcp.2004.07.022 | series = Six Decades of GABA }}</ref>
* Non-competitive channel blockers: [[cicutoxin]], [[oenanthotoxin]], [[pentylenetetrazol]], [[picrotoxin]]{{citation needed|date=April 2019}}, [[thujone]], and [[lindane]].

=== Effects ===
Ligands which contribute to receptor activation typically have [[anxiolytic]], [[anticonvulsant]], [[amnesic]], [[sedative]], [[hypnotic]], [[euphoriant]], and [[muscle relaxant]] properties. Some such as [[muscimol]] and the [[z-drugs]] may also be [[hallucinogenic]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2015}} Ligands which decrease receptor activation usually have opposite effects, including [[Anxiogenic|anxiogenesis]] and [[convulsion]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2015}} Some of the subtype-selective negative allosteric modulators such as [[α5IA|α<sub>5</sub>IA]] are being investigated for their [[nootropic]] effects, as well as treatments for the unwanted side effects of other GABAergic drugs.<ref name="pmid16326923">{{cite journal | vauthors = Dawson GR, Maubach KA, Collinson N, Cobain M, Everitt BJ, MacLeod AM, Choudhury HI, McDonald LM, Pillai G, Rycroft W, Smith AJ, Sternfeld F, Tattersall FD, Wafford KA, Reynolds DS, Seabrook GR, Atack JR | title = An inverse agonist selective for alpha5 subunit-containing GABAA receptors enhances cognition | journal = The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics | volume = 316 | issue = 3 | pages = 1335–45 | date = March 2006 | pmid = 16326923 | doi = 10.1124/jpet.105.092320 | s2cid = 6410599 | url = http://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/22aa/5af270a5dff6b125aadd1c231dd0bd464782.pdf | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190220023037/http://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/22aa/5af270a5dff6b125aadd1c231dd0bd464782.pdf | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2019-02-20 }}</ref> Advances in molecular pharmacology and genetic manipulation of rat genes have revealed that distinct subtypes of the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor mediate certain parts of the anaesthetic behavioral repertoire.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Weir CJ, Mitchell SJ, Lambert JJ |title=Role of GABAA receptor subtypes in the behavioural effects of intravenous general anaesthetics |journal=Br J Anaesth |volume=119 |issue=suppl_1 |pages=i167–i175 |date=December 2017 |pmid=29161398 |doi=10.1093/bja/aex369 |doi-access=free }}</ref>

=== Novel drugs ===
A useful property of the many benzodiazepine site allosteric modulators is that they may display selective binding to particular subsets of receptors comprising specific subunits. This allows one to determine which GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor subunit combinations are prevalent in particular brain areas and provides a clue as to which subunit combinations may be responsible for behavioral effects of drugs acting at GABA<sub>A</sub> receptors. These selective ligands may have pharmacological advantages in that they may allow dissociation of desired therapeutic effects from undesirable side effects.<ref name="pmid17979718">{{cite journal | vauthors = Da Settimo F, Taliani S, Trincavelli ML, Montali M, Martini C | title = GABA A/Bz receptor subtypes as targets for selective drugs | journal = Current Medicinal Chemistry | volume = 14 | issue = 25 | pages = 2680–2701 | year = 2007 | pmid = 17979718 | doi = 10.2174/092986707782023190 }}</ref> Few subtype selective ligands have gone into clinical use as yet, with the exception of [[zolpidem]] which is reasonably selective for α<sub>1</sub>, but several more selective compounds are in development such as the α<sub>3</sub>-selective drug [[adipiplon]]. There are many examples of subtype-selective compounds which are widely used in scientific research, including:

* [[CL-218,872]] (highly α<sub>1</sub>-selective agonist)
* [[bretazenil]] (subtype-selective partial agonist)
* [[imidazenil]] and [[L-838,417]] (both partial agonists at some subtypes, but weak antagonists at others)
* [[QH-II-66|QH-ii-066]] (full agonist highly selective for α<sub>5</sub> subtype)
* [[α5IA|α<sub>5</sub>IA]] (selective inverse agonist for α<sub>5</sub> subtype)
* [[SL-651,498]] (full agonist at [[GABRA2|α<sub>2</sub>]] and [[GABRA3|α<sub>3</sub>]] subtypes, and as a partial agonist at [[GABRA1|α<sub>1</sub>]] and [[GABRA5|α<sub>5</sub>]]
* 3-acyl-4-quinolones: selective for α<sub>1</sub> over α<sub>3</sub><ref name="pmid18541432">{{cite journal | vauthors = Lager E, Nilsson J, Østergaard Nielsen E, Nielsen M, Liljefors T, Sterner O | title = Affinity of 3-acyl substituted 4-quinolones at the benzodiazepine site of GABA(A) receptors | journal = Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry | volume = 16 | issue = 14 | pages = 6936–48 | date = July 2008 | pmid = 18541432 | doi = 10.1016/j.bmc.2008.05.049 }}</ref>

=== Paradoxical reactions ===
There are multiple indications that [[paradoxical reaction]]s upon — for example — benzodiazepines,  barbiturates, [[inhalational anesthetic]]s, [[propofol]], [[neurosteroid]]s, and [[Alcohol (drug)|alcohol]] are associated with structural deviations of GABA<sub>A</sub> receptors. The combination of the five subunits of the receptor (see images above) can be altered in such a way that for example the receptor's response to GABA remains unchanged but the response to one of the named substances is dramatically different from the normal one.

There are estimates that about 2–3% of the general population may suffer from serious emotional disorders due to such receptor deviations, with up to 20% suffering from moderate disorders of this kind. It is generally assumed that the receptor alterations are, at least partly, due to [[Genetics|genetic]] and also [[Epigenetics|epigenetic]] deviations. There are indication that the latter may be triggered by, among other factors, [[social stress]] or [[occupational burnout]].<ref name="pmid12779114">{{cite journal | vauthors = Robin C, Trieger N | title = Paradoxical reactions to benzodiazepines in intravenous sedation: a report of 2 cases and review of the literature | journal = Anesthesia Progress | volume = 49 | issue = 4 | pages = 128–32 | year = 2002 | pmid = 12779114 | pmc = 2007411 }}</ref><ref name="Paton 2002 pp. 460–462">{{cite journal | vauthors = Paton C | title=Benzodiazepines and disinhibition: a review | journal=Psychiatric Bulletin | publisher=Royal College of Psychiatrists | volume=26 | issue=12 | year=2002 | doi=10.1192/pb.26.12.460 | pages=460–2| doi-access=free | url = https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/421AF197362B55EDF004700452BF3BC6/S0955603600001240a.pdf/benzodiazepines_and_disinhibition_a_review.pdf }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Bäckström T, Bixo M, Johansson M, Nyberg S, Ossewaarde L, Ragagnin G, Savic I, Strömberg J, Timby E, van Broekhoven F, van Wingen G | display-authors = 6 | title = Allopregnanolone and mood disorders | journal = Progress in Neurobiology | volume = 113 | pages = 88–94 | date = February 2014 | pmid = 23978486 | doi = 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2013.07.005 | s2cid = 207407084 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Brown EN, Lydic R, Schiff ND | title = General anesthesia, sleep, and coma | journal = The New England Journal of Medicine | volume = 363 | issue = 27 | pages = 2638–50 | date = December 2010 | pmid = 21190458 | pmc = 3162622 | doi = 10.1056/NEJMra0808281 | veditors = Schwartz RS }}</ref>

== See also ==
{{colbegin}}
* [[4-Iodopropofol]]
* [[GABA receptor]]
* [[GABA B receptor|GABA<sub>B</sub> receptor]]
* [[GABAA-rho receptor|GABA<sub>A</sub>-ρ receptor]]
* [[Gephyrin]]
* [[Glycine receptor]]
* [[GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulator|GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor positive allosteric modulators]]
* [[GABAA receptor negative allosteric modulator|GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor negative allosteric modulators]]
{{colend}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== Further reading ==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book |vauthors=Olsen RW, DeLorey TM |veditors=Siegel GJ, Agranoff BW, Fisher SK, Albers RW, Uhler MD | title = Basic neurochemistry: molecular, cellular, and medical aspects | edition = 6th | publisher = Lippincott-Raven | location = Philadelphia | year = 1999 | isbn = 978-0-397-51820-3 | chapter-url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK28090/ |id=NBK28090 | chapter = 16. GABA and Glycine |ref={{harvid|16. GABA and Glycine|1999}} }}
* {{cite book |vauthors=Olsen RW, Betz H |veditors=Siegel GJ, Albers RW, Brady S, Price DD | title = Basic Neurochemistry: Molecular, Cellular and Medical Aspects | edition = 7th | publisher = Academic Press | year = 2005 | pages = 291–302 | isbn = 978-0-12-088397-4 | chapter = 16. GABA and Glycine }}
* {{cite journal | vauthors = Uusi-Oukari M, Korpi ER | title = Regulation of GABA(A) receptor subunit expression by pharmacological agents | journal = Pharmacological Reviews | volume = 62 | issue = 1 | pages = 97–135 | date = March 2010 | pmid = 20123953 | doi = 10.1124/pr.109.002063 | s2cid = 12202117 }}
* {{cite book | author = Rudolph U | title = Diversity and Functions of GABA Receptors: A Tribute to Hanns Möhler | publisher = Academic Press, Elsevier | year = 2015 | isbn = 978-0-12-802660-1 }}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
* {{MeshName|Receptors,+GABA-A}}

{{Ligand-gated ion channels}}
{{GABAergics}}
{{GABAAergics}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gabaa Receptor}}
[[Category:Transmembrane receptors]]
[[Category:Ion channels]]
[[Category:GABA]]