The GABA(A) receptor complex is permeable to Cl- when GABA binds to it Authored: Jassal, B, 2010-09-23 Edited: Jassal, B, 2010-09-23 Pubmed1321750 Pubmed15024690 Pubmed1664410 Pubmed2465923 Pubmed2847710 Pubmed8264558 Pubmed8382267 Pubmed8391122 Pubmed8632757 Pubmed8719414 Pubmed8719416 Reactome Database ID Release 43975340 Reactome, http://www.reactome.org ReactomeREACT_25130 Reviewed: He, L, 2010-11-15 The GABAA receptor (GABA(A)) family belongs to the ligand-gated ion channel superfamily (LGIC). Its endogenous ligand is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. There are six alpha subunits (Garrett et al, 1988; Schofield et al, 1989; Hadingham et al, 1993; Edenberg et al, 2004; Hadingham et al, 1993; Yang et al, 1995; Wingrove et al, 1992; Hadingham et al, 1996), three beta subunits (Schofield et al, 1989; Hadingham et al, 1993; Wagstaff et al, 1991) and 2 gamma subunits (Khan et al, 1993; Hadingham et al, 1995) characterized. GABA(A) functions as a heteropentamer, the most common structure being 2 alpha subunits, 2 beta subunits and a gamma subunit. Upon binding of GABA, the GABA(A) receptor complex conducts chloride ions through its pore, resulting in hyperpolarization of the neuron. This causes an inhibitory effect on neurotransmission by reducing the chances of a successful action potential occurring.