γ-Aminobutyric acid

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a non-amino protein. It is found in plants, animals, and microorganisms. GABA has been used in pharma and food industries as a component of cheese, shochu, gabaron tea, and gammalone.
Research area: Neuroscience

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) has been used:

• in the preparation of GABA–BSA (bovine serum albumin)–GA (glutaraldehyde) conjugate, which is used as a control for GABA immunostaining
• in the macromolecule suppressed detection of GABA by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS)
• in the intraintestinal application of GABA in order to increase intraluminal fluid secretion

GABA (γ-Aminobutyric acid) is an amino acid that functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and as a neuromodulator in some peripheral tissues. It binds to the GABA_A receptor and inhibits the activity of signal-receiving neurons. The GABA_A receptors are found to form a channel in the cell membranes of neurons. Upon binding of GABA, the receptor is activated to allow the passage of negatively charged molecules, such as chloride ions, into the cell. This results in a lowering of the excitability of the cell.
GABAergic neurons involve myorelaxation, anxiolytic treatment, sedation, and anesthetics. GABA can also influence heart rate and blood pressure.
GABA improves plasma concentration, growth hormone, and protein synthesis in the brain. It also plays a role in reducing blood pressure in humans. GABA acts as a potent hypotensive, diuretic, and antidiabetic agent. It also regulates serum lipids levels and the sensation of pain.

Major inhibitory neurotransmitter in brain; GABA_A and GABA_B receptor agonist; increases Cl⁻ conductance.