Within the central and peripheral nervous systems of animals, including man, inhibition is crucial to counterbalance excitatory neurotransmission, which is predominantly mediated by glutamate and its receptors. Although, particularly in brain, much of this inhibition is provided by classical post-synaptic GABAA receptors, many other proteins and mechanisms regulate excitation. These exist both to "fine tune" neurotransmission and to prevent overexcitation that could lead to conditions such as epilepsy and excitotoxicity, which can result in cell death. This book reviews aspects of GABAA receptor function, as well as the properties of a variety of other important inhibitory proteins, such as GABAC receptors, G-protein coupled receptors (specifically, GABAB receptors, metabotropic glutamate receptors and neuropeptide receptors), glycine receptors, GABA transporters and potassium channels. In addition, the consequences of mutations that disrupt the regulation of excitatory neurotransmission, and efforts to target the GABAergic system for therapeutic benefit, are discussed.

Zusammenfassung

Darlison's excellent work reviews aspects of GABA-A receptor function, as well as the properties of a variety of other important inhibitory proteins, such as GABA-C receptors and G-protein coupled receptors including neuropeptides. Glycine receptors and potassium channels are covered too. The consequences of mutations that disrupt the regulation of excitatory neurotransmission, and efforts to target the GABAergic system for therapeutic benefit, are also discussed.

Inhalt
Regulation of Excitation by GABAA Receptor Internalization.- Regulation of Excitability by Extrasynaptic GABAA Receptors.- GABAC Receptors in Retina and Brain.- Presynaptic Ionotropic GABA Receptors.- The Role of GABAB Receptors in the Regulation of Excitatory Neurotransmission.- GABAergic Control of CA3-driven Network Events in the Developing Hippocampus.- Regulation of Excitation by Glycine Receptors.- Regulation of Excitability by Potassium Channels.- Modulation of Excitation by Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors.- Presynaptic Inhibition of Glutamate Release by Neuropeptides: Use-Dependent Synaptic Modification.- Regulation of Excitation by GABA Neurotransmission: Focus on Metabolism and Transport.- Human Disorders Caused by the Disruption of the Regulation of Excitatory Neurotransmission.