GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain where it acts at GABA-A receptors, which are ligand-gated chloride channels. Chloride conductance of these channels can be modulated by agents such as benzodiazepines that bind to the GABA-A receptor. At least 16 distinct subunits of GABA-A receptors have been identified. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]
Forensic Context
A study in mice demonstrated that the GABRA6 is linked to alcohol dependence and stress response, as it was altered in a unique gene expression cluster in the nucleus of the solitary tract of dependent mice exposed to both chronic intermittent ethanol and forced swim stress, implicating its role in stress-induced escalations in drinking [Grantham et al. DOI:10.1016/J.Neuropharm.2023.109768]. In human postmortem brain studies, evidence also associates the GABRA6 with alcohol dependence, as indicated by meta-analyses [Warden & Mayfield DOI:10.1016/J.Neuropharm.2017.02.017].