Most of the actions of neurosteroids on the central nervous system are mediated through allosteric modulation of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A)) receptor, but a direct effect of GABA on the regulation of neurosteroid biosynthesis has never been investigated. In the present report, we have attempted to determine whether 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD)-containing neuro...

The GABA(B) receptor is a G protein-coupled heterodimer composed of GABA(B1) and GABA(B2) subunits. In the present study, experiments were undertaken to examine the relationship between GABA(B) receptor function and subunit expression in the rat lumbar spinal cord following pharmacological and physiological manipulation of this receptor system. Although formalin-induced hind paw inflammation in...

Uterine contractions at parturition depend upon a variety of factors, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic stimulation. A new subunit of the GABA(A) receptor, pi, has recently been identified as being particularly abundant in the rat uterus. Reduced derivatives of progesterone, such as the 3alpha,5alpha-reduced derivative termed allopregnanolone, modulate GABA(A) receptor activity and...

Receptor binding studies were undertaken in an attempt to identify and characterize pharmacologically and functionally distinct receptor sites for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in rat brain. The results indicated that the potency of bicuculline, a GABA receptor antagonist, to displace membrane-bound [3H]GABA varies significantly among different brain regions, with the greatest potency found in...

Background: The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is well known for its role in cardiovascular control. It is demonstrated that about 20-30% of the VTA neurons are GABAergic though their role in cardiovascular control is not yet understood. This study is carried out to find the effects of GABA A and GABA B receptors on cardiovascular response of the VTA. Methods: Experiments were performed on uretha...

GABA is the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS and acts via GABA(A) and GABA(B) receptors. Recently, a novel form of GABA(A) receptor-mediated inhibition, termed "tonic" inhibition, has been described. Whereas synaptic GABA(A) receptors underlie classical "phasic" GABA(A) receptor-mediated inhibition (inhibitory postsynaptic currents), tonic GABA(A) receptor-mediated inhibition re...

g -Aminobutiric acid (GABA), the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system has two major receptor subtypes (GABAA and GABAB). GABAB receptors are activated by the antispastic and muscle relaxant agent, Baclofen, which is a lipophilic derivative of GABA. Since 1962 several strategies have been reported for the synthesis of baclofen.In this study an approach has been made to...

background: the ventral tegmental area (vta) is well known for its role in cardiovascular control. it is demonstrated that about 20-30% of the vta neurons are gabaergic though their role in cardiovascular control is not yet understood. this study is carried out to find the effects of gaba a and gaba b receptors on cardiovascular response of the vta. methods: experiments were performed on uretha...

Epileptic seizures are a consequence of uncontrolled neuronal discharge and demand urgent prolonged treatment. Due to lack potent low-risk drugs that could prevent seizures, efforts underway discover new drugs, plant metabolites often considered valuable candidates in this search. Lemon balm ( Melissa officinalis L., Lamiaceae) is world-renowned medicinal affecting central nervous system functi...