Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-gated chloride channel (GABAA receptor)

The GABA-gated chloride channel, primarily referring to the GABAA receptor, is a ligand-gated ion channel mediating fast inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. Activated by GABA, the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, it is a pentameric complex with varying subunit compositions (α, β, γ, δ, ε, π, θ, and ρ). GABA binding induces conformational changes that open a chloride-selective pore, allowing Cl− ions to flow down their electrochemical gradient, hyperpolarizing or stabilizing the neuronal membrane and inhibiting action potential firing. Allosteric modulators like benzodiazepines and barbiturates enhance or inhibit channel opening.

Other names

GABA receptorGABAA-gated chloride channelGABAA receptor chloride channelGABAA receptor

Binding of GABA opens chloride-selective pore, leading to Cl- influx and hyperpolarization/stabilization of membrane potential.