This document discusses GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system. It outlines GABA's mechanism of action via GABA-A and GABA-B receptors, synthesis, functions in relieving anxiety and improving mood, and relationship to health conditions like insomnia, depression, seizures, and panic disorders when deficient. The conclusion states that GABA functions to inhibit nerve impulses by blocking them, preventing nerve cells from firing too often or easily.

1. GABA
Aya Ali
431203717
γ-Aminobutyric acid

2. Outline :
GABA:
 Mechanism of action
 Synthesis.
 Receptors .
 Function .
 Deficiency.

Disease related .
 Conclusion

3. GABA
GABA acts at inhibitory synapse in the brain by binding to
specific transmembrane receptor in the plasma membrane of
both pre- and postsynaptic neuronal processes.
It is most highly concentrated in the substantia nigra &
globus pallidus nuclei of the basal ganglia, followed by
the hypothalamus, the periaqueductal grey matter.

4. Fig (1)

5. Mechanism of Action
open chloride receptorschannels induce cellular
hyperpolarisation by
increasing intracellular
concentration of chloride

6. Synthesis of GABA

7. GABA Receptor
GABA exerts its effects via two types of receptors:
GABA-A and GABA-B receptors

8. GABA-A

9. GABA-B


Activation of presynaptic GABA-B receptors decreases
the release of GABA and of different transmitters.
Activation of postsynaptic GABA-B receptors
modulates the opening of potassium channels, which
induces an intracellular potassium exit and
consequently a membrane hyperpolarisation.

10. GABA Function




Relieving anxiety.
Improving mood.
Relieving premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Regulating the release of sex hormones.

11. GABA Functions… cont






Treating attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD).
Promoting lean muscle growth.
Burning fat.
Stabilizing blood pressure.
Relieving pain.
lower elevated blood sugar levels in diabetics.

12. Deficiency of GABA

It has been suggested that a shortage
of GABA may cause panic attacks,
since an intake of tranquilizers can
increase the level of GABA in the
body. GABA may also be effective in
treating PMS in women.

14. Health problems can GABA Deficiency cause







Insomnia
Depression
Mood disorders
Excessive stress
Hypertension
Atherosclerosis
Motion sickness
low levels of
digestive enzymes
ADHD
Epileptic seizures
Panic disorders
Bronchitis
Growth hormone
stimulation

15. Reference


http://www.benbest.com/science/anatmind/anatmd1
0.html#gaba
http://www.pharmacorama.com/en/Sections/Gaba.p
hp

16. Conclusion
GABA is an amino acid made in brain cells from
glutamate. It functions as an inhibitory
neurotransmitter, meaning it blocks nerve
impulses. Without GABA, nerve cells fire too
often and too easily.