GABA_A Receptors in Central Nervous System Disease: Anxiety, Epilepsy, and Insomnia

Abstract

Brain function is based on an exquisite balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. GABAergic neurons provide the major inhibitory control. By controlling spike timing and sculpting neuronal rhythms they play a key role in regulating behavior. GABAergic neurons are highly diverse and operate with a corresponding diversity of GABA_A receptor subtypes. In this article, the contribution of GABA_A receptor deficits to central nervous system disorders, in particular anxiety disorders, epilepsy, schizophrenia and insomnia, is reviewed.

Key Words: :

• Epilepsy
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Schizophrenia
• GABA_A receptor subtypes