GABAergic transmission and modulation of anxiety: A review on molecular aspects

Published 2019-04-30

  • Francisco Isaac Fernandes Gomes
  • ,
  • Maria Gerusa Brito Aragão
  • ,
  • Mirna Marques Bezerra
  • ,
  • Hellíada Vasconcelos Chaves


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Keywords: Anxiety; GABA transmission; Pharmacotherapy; stress

Abstract

Stress responses activate protective mechanisms to achieve homeostasis, but they can be detrimental when such responses become maladaptive. Anxiety relates to risk assessment of a potential threat and involves uncertainty regarding the anticipation of a threatening situation and it dampers quality of life. Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory system in the central nervous system and plays a key role in the regulation of neuronal transmission in the brain, affecting many physiological and psychological processes. This mini-review aims to summarize key points concerned with the GABAergic transmission and basic aspects related to the GABAergic system in anxiety.


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How to Cite

Gomes, F. I. F., Aragão, M. G. B., Bezerra, M. M., & Chaves, H. V. (2019). GABAergic transmission and modulation of anxiety: A review on molecular aspects. Brazilian Journal of Biological Sciences, 6(12), e363. https://doi.org/10.21472/bjbs.061202

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