MODULATORY ACTIONS OF GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC-ACID (GABA) ON GABA TYPE-A RECEPTOR SUBUNIT EXPRESSION AND FUNCTION

Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is present in the central nervous syste m (CNS) during very early embryogenesis. It is therefore likely to pla y a role not only as a neurotransmitter but also as a signal molecule for neuronal differentiation, growth, and development, It has been fir mly established that formation of synapses is strengthened by GABA, an d the expression of certain subunits of the GABA type A (GABA(A)) rece ptor complex is clearly promoted by GABA, This latter effect of GABA m ay have profound implications for the functional activity of GABAergic synapses since the pharmacological properties of GABA(A) receptors ar e governed by the subunit composition of the receptor complex, Dynamic changes in GABA(A) receptor expression and diversity during developme nt and differentiation may therefore play important roles for the inhi bitory potential of the CNS during mature stages. (C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.