Introduction
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid is often recognized by GABA but sometimes called 4-Aminobutyric Acid. Its molecular formula is C4H9NO2 and it's 2D structure is represented on the side. GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter synthesized and functioning in the brain.It helps to reduce panic attacks, seizure disorders, headaches, and anxiety, as well as other nerve impulses or reactions. There are two classes of GABA receptors; GABAa and GABAb. GABAa is described as a ligand-gated ion-channel meaning that it binds to a ligand to open an ion channel on the membrane of a cell (neuron), allowing the flow of charged particles like chloride, potassium, or sodium ions to flow in and out of the cell for purposes like action potentials. GABAb is a G-protein linked receptor, typically using cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) as a second messenger.
Function & Effects
GABA has smaller roles including assistance with motor control, vision, and other cortical (in the cortex of the brain) function. Its primary inhibitory roles allow for GABA to reduce the effect of nerve impulses by hyperpolarizing the cell, or opening ion channels that allow negatively charged chloride ions into the cell and positively charged potassium ions to flow out of the cell. This is the opposite of depolarization, and forces the cell to require more stimulus in order to reach the action potential threshold, thus making nerve impulses less frequent and harder to create. In brain development, GABA acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter, helping the brain to develop. However, as the brain matures, GABA's role shifts to the inhibitory role.
GABA Supplements
People take GABA supplements for a variety of reasons. The main medical reasons are to improve mood and sleep, in addition to treating ADHD. Additionally, since GABA can reduce nerve impulses, it helps to reduce pain associated to headaches or injuries. It was also previously believed that GABA increases human growth hormone in the body, those this is not proven. Benzodiazepenes are a class of drugs that mimic GABA and simulate GABA’s inhibitory effects in the brain.
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid is often recognized by GABA but sometimes called 4-Aminobutyric Acid. Its molecular formula is C4H9NO2 and it's 2D structure is represented on the side. GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter synthesized and functioning in the brain.It helps to reduce panic attacks, seizure disorders, headaches, and anxiety, as well as other nerve impulses or reactions. There are two classes of GABA receptors; GABAa and GABAb. GABAa is described as a ligand-gated ion-channel meaning that it binds to a ligand to open an ion channel on the membrane of a cell (neuron), allowing the flow of charged particles like chloride, potassium, or sodium ions to flow in and out of the cell for purposes like action potentials. GABAb is a G-protein linked receptor, typically using cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) as a second messenger.
Function & Effects
GABA has smaller roles including assistance with motor control, vision, and other cortical (in the cortex of the brain) function. Its primary inhibitory roles allow for GABA to reduce the effect of nerve impulses by hyperpolarizing the cell, or opening ion channels that allow negatively charged chloride ions into the cell and positively charged potassium ions to flow out of the cell. This is the opposite of depolarization, and forces the cell to require more stimulus in order to reach the action potential threshold, thus making nerve impulses less frequent and harder to create. In brain development, GABA acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter, helping the brain to develop. However, as the brain matures, GABA's role shifts to the inhibitory role.
GABA Supplements
People take GABA supplements for a variety of reasons. The main medical reasons are to improve mood and sleep, in addition to treating ADHD. Additionally, since GABA can reduce nerve impulses, it helps to reduce pain associated to headaches or injuries. It was also previously believed that GABA increases human growth hormone in the body, those this is not proven. Benzodiazepenes are a class of drugs that mimic GABA and simulate GABA’s inhibitory effects in the brain.
Sources
4-aminobutyric acid. (n.d.). Retrieved May 27, 2015.
GABA - Scientific Review on Usage, Dosage, Side Effects. (n.d.). Retrieved May 21, 2015.
4-aminobutyric acid. (n.d.). Retrieved May 27, 2015.
GABA - Scientific Review on Usage, Dosage, Side Effects. (n.d.). Retrieved May 21, 2015.