Gamma-aminobutyric acidA receptor subunits in the mediation of selective drug action.

Pharmacologic and biochemical data indicate a variety of gamma-aminobutyric acidA receptor subtypes. The identification of gamma-aminobutyric acidA receptor subunits and their isoforms has yielded a more refined characterization of the pharmacologic selectivity of these sites. Such structural diversity may explain the different responses noted with drugs acting through gamma-aminobutyric acidA receptors and makes possible the design of new agents capable of selectively manipulating this neurotransmitter system.