GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter found in the brain.[Purves et al., 2008] GABA is synthesised predominantly from glutamate, by the enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase that is found almost exclusively in GABAergic neurones.[Purves et al., 2008] The ionotropic GABA receptors are usually inhibitory, because when activated they allow the flow of negative chlorine ions across the membrane – reducing the potential for neuronal signalling.[Purves et al., 2008]
Chemicals that function as GABA agonists have been used to treat various conditions, and include anticonvulsants, anxiolytics, benzodiazepines, and hypnotics.[Stahl, 2013]
References:
Purves D, Augustine GJ, Fitzpatrick D, et al. (eds).
Neuroscience. 4th edition. Sinauer Associates, 2008.
Stahl SM. Stahl’s Essential Psychopharmacology.
Neuroscientific Basis and Practical Applications. 4th edition.
© Cambridge University Press, 2013.