Chapter 12.5, Problem 6AYLO

Summary Introduction

To discuss:

How γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) inhibits a postsynaptic neuron.

Introduction: GABA belongs to the amino acid neurotransmitter category. These molecules are found in the cerebellum, hypothalamus, thalamus, retina, and occipital lobes of the cerebrum. In the brain, it is the most common neurotransmitter having an inhibitory effect. Neurotransmitters are released by exocytosis that binds to specific receptors of the receiving cell. Some of the neurotransmitters are inhibitory, some are excitatory, and for others, the end product depends on the type of receptor the postsynaptic cell has.