(Gamma aminobutyric acid or γ-aminobutyric acid) GABA is the most important of the inhibitory NEUROTRANSMITTERS in the brain (though there are others, including GLYCINE). The term GABAERGIC is used to describe a neuron that contains GABA. About one-third of the synapses in the brain appear to use GABA as their neurotransmitter.
It is synthesized from GLUTAMATE, a reaction catalysed by GLUTAMIC ACID DECARBOXYLASE and broken down by GABA aminotransferase to succinic semialdehyde, which is further broken down to SUCCINATE, a reaction catalyzed by succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase. It is stored in VESICLES prior to release and, following CALCIUM dependent release, there are high affinity REUPTAKE mechanisms to remove it from the synaptic cleft. GABAergic neurons are found virtually in all regions of the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, including INTERNEURONS as well as PROJECTION NEURONS such as PURKINJE CELLS in the CEREBELLUM. GABA is found in very few places outside the central nervous system: the PANCREAS has the highest concentration outside the CNS.
KAZUE SEMBA
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