GABAC receptors in retina and brain

Abstract

The expression of GABAC receptors has long been regarded as a specific property of bipolar cells in the inner retina where they control the information transfer from bipolar to retinal ganglion cells. A number of recent anatomical and physiological studies, however, have provided evidence that GABAC receptors are also expressed in many brain structures apart from the retina. The presence of GABAC receptors in many GABAergic neurons suggests that this receptor type may be involved in the regulation of local inhibition. This chapter focuses on the distribution of GABAC receptors and their possible function in various brain areas. © 2007 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.