Govindpani Karan, Calvo-Flores Guzmán Beatriz, Vinnakota Chitra, Waldvogel Henry J, Faull Richard L, Kwakowsky Andrea
Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Aug 21;18(8):1813. doi: 10.3390/ijms18081813.
γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate brain. In the past, there has been a major research drive focused on the dysfunction of the glutamatergic and cholinergic neurotransmitter systems in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, there is now growing evidence in support of a GABAergic contribution to the pathogenesis of this neurodegenerative disease. Previous studies paint a complex, convoluted and often inconsistent picture of AD-associated GABAergic remodeling. Given the importance of the GABAergic system in neuronal function and homeostasis, in the maintenance of the excitatory/inhibitory balance, and in the processes of learning and memory, such changes in GABAergic function could be an important factor in both early and later stages of AD pathogenesis. Given the limited scope of currently available therapies in modifying the course of the disease, a better understanding of GABAergic remodeling in AD could open up innovative and novel therapeutic opportunities.
γ-氨基丁酸（GABA）是脊椎动物大脑中的主要抑制性神经递质。过去，主要的研究驱动力集中在阿尔茨海默病（AD）中谷氨酸能和胆碱能神经递质系统的功能障碍上。然而，现在越来越多的证据支持GABA能在这种神经退行性疾病发病机制中的作用。先前的研究描绘了一幅与AD相关的GABA能重塑的复杂、曲折且往往不一致的图景。鉴于GABA能系统在神经元功能和内环境稳态、维持兴奋/抑制平衡以及学习和记忆过程中的重要性，GABA能功能的这种变化可能是AD发病机制早期和后期的一个重要因素。鉴于目前可用疗法在改变疾病进程方面的范围有限，更好地理解AD中的GABA能重塑可能会带来创新的治疗机会。
