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

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

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.

Keywords
Anxiety; GABA transmission; Pharmacotherapy; stress.

DOI
10.21472/bjbs.061202

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