Pharmacology of GABA and Glycine Neurotransmission

Highlighting the current developments and future directions in GABA and glycine research, this volume covers the major inhibitory neurotransmitters from the molecular mechanisms of signal transduction to their role in health and disease. It is of topical importance because these neurotransmitters are essential for brain function and therapy of diseases such as anxiety disorders, insomnias, epilepsy, depression, spasticity, and memory deficits. Distinguished scientists at the forefront of research contributed reviews on the role of these transmitters in governing neuronal networks, their signalling pathways, their receptors, the pharmacology of GABA A- and GABA B- and GABA C-receptors as well as of GABA- and glycine-transporters, and their role in disease. The volume serves as reference for pharmacologists/toxicologists, neuroscientists, neurologists and psychiatrists. Front Matter....Pages I-XXI Front Matter....Pages 1-1 Physiology of the GABA and Glycine Systems....Pages 3-76 Front Matter....Pages 77-77 The Molecular Architecture of GABA A Receptors....Pages 79-99 Functions of GABA A -Receptors: Pharmacology and Pathophysiology....Pages 101-116 Steroid Modulation of GABA A Receptors....Pages 117-140 Allosteric Modulation of GABA A Receptor Function by General Anesthetics and Alcohols....Pages 141-172 Anticonvulsants Acting on the GABA System....Pages 173-194 Heterologous Regulation of GABA A Receptors: Protein Phosphorylation....Pages 195-225 Tolerance and Dependence to Ligands of the Benzodiazepine Recognition Sites Expressed by GABA A Receptors....Pages 227-250 GABA A Receptors and Disease....Pages 251-270 GABA C Receptors: Structure, Function and Pharmacology....Pages 271-296 Structure of GABA B Receptors....Pages 299-309 Pharmacology of GABA B Receptors....Pages 311-328 GABA B Receptor Signaling Pathways....Pages 329-342 Structure and Function of GABA Transporters....Pages 345-354 Pharmacology of GABA Transporters....Pages 355-372 Front Matter....Pages 373-373 Structures, Diversity and Pharmacology of Glycine Receptors and Transporters....Pages 375-401 Back Matter....Pages 403-413