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What is the Role of GABA in the Brain?
Neurotransmitters, such as glutamate, acetylcholine, serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), in the brain are important for the transmission of signals between neurons. In particular, GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter. This means that the role of GABA in the brain is to counteract the action of excitatory neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, promote relaxation, and decrease brain activity. When GABA in the brain reaches levels that are below normal or when GABA action is impaired, the neurons become overexcited, leading to excessive muscle contraction and a sense of restlessness.
GABA in the brain has the highest concentrations in areas such as the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and cortex. Neurons are separated by minute spaces called synapses through which a command or a signal travels to reach the next neuron. The neurons are not physically connected; therefore, GABA, as a brain neurotransmitter, acts like a molecular bridge. In particular, GABA binds to GABA receptors in the neuron’s plasma membrane, which results in the entry of chloride ions into the nerve cell or potassium ions out of the nerve cell. Approximately 30 to 40% of neural synapses have GABA.
The role of GABA in the brain in promoting relaxation and in inhibiting excitation is important in understanding why drugs that enhance GABA action are used to treat several neurological or psychological disorders. For instance, during seizures, there is excessive activity in the brain cortex. To control seizures, drugs that act on GABA receptors are given, and examples of these GABAergic drugs, or GABA analogues, are benzodiazepines such as diazepam. Other drugs that simulate GABA action include flumanezil, barbiturates, and alcohol. Caffeine, on the other hand, neutralizes the actions of GABA, which is why coffee keeps people awake and active.
Other GABA uses include improvement of sleep cycles and reduction of blood pressure. Anxiety disorders may also benefit from GABAergic drugs. GABA may give symptomatic relief of back pain and arthritic conditions, and it may be used as a muscle tone regulator as well.
For people who have a deficiency of GABA, it may be given in the form of a dietary supplement, in 200 mg formulations. It is available in tablets and capsules, and may be taken four times a day, depending on the physician’s instructions. GABA does not generally cross from the blood to the brain, but it can enter near the spaces in the brain called ventricles. It has been said that if orally taken, GABA in the brain can increase the growth hormone and prolactin because of its effects on the pituitary gland.
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![GABA promotes relaxation in the brain.]()
By: James SteidlGABA promotes relaxation in the brain. -
![GABA in the brain has the highest concentrations in areas such as the hypothalamus and hippocampus.]()
By: Athanasia NomikouGABA in the brain has the highest concentrations in areas such as the hypothalamus and hippocampus. -
![GABA receptors are the most common single receptor found in the synapses where neurons communicate with each other.]()
By: ThorstenSchmittGABA receptors are the most common single receptor found in the synapses where neurons communicate with each other. -
![When GABA action is impaired, the neurons become overexcited, leading to a sense of restlessness.]()
By: Monkey BusinessWhen GABA action is impaired, the neurons become overexcited, leading to a sense of restlessness. -
![GABA may be taken in the for of a dietary supplement for those who have a deficiency.]()
By: monticelllloGABA may be taken in the for of a dietary supplement for those who have a deficiency. -
![An acetylcholine deficiency can cause memory problems.]()
By: annawinAn acetylcholine deficiency can cause memory problems. -
![Neurotransmitters in the brain are important for the transmission of signals between neurons.]()
By: designuaNeurotransmitters in the brain are important for the transmission of signals between neurons. -
![Our bodies contain trillions of synapse "data" connections, many of which are constantly active.]()
By: rolffimagesOur bodies contain trillions of synapse "data" connections, many of which are constantly active. -
![Individuals feeling stressful and anxious may have a deficiency of GABA.]()
By: yanlevIndividuals feeling stressful and anxious may have a deficiency of GABA.
Discussion Comments
Really highly educational about the brain for everyone!
@Mammmood "I thought the coffee excited the brain somewhat, not that it depressed your GABA levels."
GABA is a neuro inhibitor, and coffee lowers GABA. Therefore, you are inhibiting an inhibitor = no inhibition = excitation. Hope that helps.
@allenJo - I had no idea that coffee depressed GABA levels in the brain. That shows you how little I know about brain nutrition. I am an avid coffee drinker but now I am beginning to take a second look.
I thought the coffee excited the brain somewhat, not that it depressed your GABA levels. Also, I’ve heard that coffee is supposed to be good for you too because of selenium in it. It’s a mixed bag, really, so I’m not sure what to think. Maybe I’ll just start to drink it in moderation.
@NathanG - Well if you can correct the GABA deficiency using herbal supplements would it still have the same “downer” effect? After all you do need GABA at normal levels.
I think if you get it up to normal levels (but not beyond) then you should be okay. My guess is that the seizure medication really kicks up the GABA into high gear to guarantee that you won’t have a seizure. From a liability perspective I can see that drug manufacturers would want the maximum dosage possible.
I know someone who has seizures and he is on the medication described in the article. I have never understood how the medication works. If I understand correctly, the GABA supplement in the medication acts as a kind of “downer” if I can put it in terms that mortals like me can understand.
That’s a double edged sword in one sense. Yet, it keeps the seizures in check but it also puts a damper on your energy levels. This guy is definitely somewhat subdued most of the time and I don’t think it’s his personality.
I know he complains about the medication from time to time so I think that’s what’s keeping him down. It’s too bad, really, that some medicine has to alter your personality in that way. But it’s certainly better than the alternative I suppose.
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