GABA antagonist
GABA Antagonist
GABA antagonist (pronunciation: /ˈɡæbə ænˈtæɡənɪst/) is a type of pharmaceutical drug that inhibits the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system.
Etymology
The term "GABA antagonist" is derived from the acronym GABA, which stands for gamma-aminobutyric acid, and the word "antagonist", which in pharmacology refers to a substance that interferes with or inhibits the physiological action of another.
Function
GABA antagonists work by blocking the action of GABA, which can increase the firing of the neurons. This can lead to increased neural activity in the brain, which can be useful in the treatment of certain medical conditions, such as epilepsy and anxiety disorders.
Types of GABA Antagonists
There are several types of GABA antagonists, including:
- Bicuculline: A light-sensitive competitive antagonist of GABA_A receptors. It was originally identified in 1932 in the plant Dicentra cucullaria.
- Picrotoxin: A non-competitive antagonist at GABA_A receptors. It is found in the plant Anamirta cocculus.
Related Terms
- GABA agonist: A drug that activates the GABA receptors in the brain, producing a calming effect.
- GABA reuptake inhibitor: A drug that increases the levels of GABA in the brain by inhibiting its reuptake into the neurons.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on GABA antagonist
- Wikipedia's article - GABA antagonist
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