Overview
- Peptide CRGEREVVGPKVRK, corresponding to amino acid residues 66-79 of rat GABBR1 (Accession Q9Z0U4). Extracellular, N-terminus.
- Rat brain membranes (1:200).
Western blot analysis of rat brain membranes:1. Anti-GABA(B) R1 (extracellular) Antibody (#AGB-001), (1:200).
2. Anti-GABA(B) R1 (extracellular) Antibody, preincubated with GABA(B) R1 (extracellular) Blocking Peptide (#BLP-GB001).
- Mouse hippocampus frozen section.
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and plays a crucial role in the modulation of neuronal activity.1,2
The GABA transmitter interacts with three types of receptors: the ionotropic receptors, GABA(A) R and GABA(C) R, and the metabotropic GABA (B) receptor, [GABA(B) R].3 The latter belongs to the G-protein coupled receptor superfamily and mediates slow synaptic inhibition in the brain and spinal cord.1,4
The functional GABA (B) receptor is a heterodimer consisting of two subunits, the GABA(B) R1 and the GABA(B) R2. These subunits were demonstrated to have complementary roles essential for the functional receptor.5,6 The GABA(B) R1 subunit was demonstrated to be important for agonist and antagonist binding, while GABA(B) R2 was shown to be essential for trafficking and for G-protein binding.
To date, eight alternatively spliced isoforms of GABA (B) R1 have been proposed. These are named 1a-1h, of which 1a and 1b are the most prominent. Only 1a, 1b, and 1c appear to act as functional subunits.6,7 They are widespread, being expressed in the testis, stomach, spinal cord, and brain. Isoform 1b is also expressed in the kidney and liver.7
