GABAA receptor complexes are present on both sides of a GABA-acceptive neuronal membrane.

A micromethod allowing the study of the characteristics of single GABA-acceptive membranes microdissected from Deiters' neurones was used in order to assess the effects of both "extra"- and "intra"-cellular GABA on Cl- permeability. The results indicate that GABA can activate Cl- permeability in the in----out direction when it is present on the cytoplasmic side of the membrane. Moreover, as already described, it can activate Cl- permeability in the opposite direction when present on the "extracellular" side of the membrane. Both these phenomena are blocked by GABAA receptor inhibitors, bicuculline and picrotoxin. The presence of GABAA receptors on both sides of the membrane is discussed as the possible basis for synaptically released GABA hyperpolarising action on these neurones.