Basic Information:
Product: GABA(4-Aminobutyric acid)
Color : white powder
M.F:C4H9NO2
M.W:103.12
CAS:56-12-2
Function:
Neurotransmission: GABA functions primarily as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means it decreases the chance of a neuron firing an action potential. This action helps balance the excitatory effects of neurotransmitters like glutamate, maintaining a critical balance in brain activity.
Neuronal Inhibition: By binding to GABA receptors (GABA_A and GABA_B), GABA increases the influx of chloride ions into neurons (GABA_A) or influences potassium ion channels and adenylate cyclase activity (GABA_B). This makes the inside of neurons more negatively charged, stabilizing the resting membrane potential, thus reducing neuronal excitability and preventing overstimulation.
Role in Anxiety and Sleep: GABA's inhibitory effects are crucial for reducing anxiety, promoting relaxation, and facilitating sleep. It is often implicated in conditions characterized by excessive neuronal activity, such as anxiety disorders.
Muscle Relaxation: GABA also influences muscle tone through its action in the spinal cord and brainstem, contributing to muscle relaxation.
Application:
Pharmaceuticals: Several drugs target GABA receptors to exert their effects. These include:
Benzodiazepines: These enhance the effect of GABA at the GABA_A receptor, leading to increased inhibitory effects, used mainly for anxiety, insomnia, and seizures.
Barbiturates: They increase the duration of GABA_A receptor channel opening, used historically for anesthesia and seizure management.
Gabapentinoids: Such as gabapentin and pregabalin, though not directly acting via GABA receptors, they influence GABAergic activity and are used for neuropathic pain and epilepsy.
Dietary Supplements: GABA is marketed as a dietary supplement purported to reduce anxiety and improve sleep. However, the efficacy of orally consumed GABA reaching the brain in significant amounts remains a subject of research, given limited blood-brain barrier permeability.
General Anesthetics: Some anesthetic agents act on GABA_A receptors to induce unconsciousness, muscle relaxation, and amnesia during surgical procedures.
Research Use: GABA and various GABAergic drugs are extensively used in research to study the functioning of the central nervous system and the pharmacology of neurotransmission.
Psychiatric and Neurological Disorders: Targeting GABAergic systems is a significant strategy in treating disorders such as epilepsy, where excessive neuronal firing needs suppression, and certain anxiety and mood disorders where enhanced GABAergic activity provides symptomatic relief.
