Maturation of GABAergic Transmission in Motoneurons

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Allain Anne-Emilie, Le Corronc Hervé, Delpy Alain, Cazenave William, Meyrand Pierre, Legendre Pascal, Branchereau Pascal

Primary Institution: Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine (INCIA), Université de Bordeaux et CNRS—UMR 5287

The study investigates the maturation of GABAergic transmission in normal and pathological motoneurons.

The research highlights the transition of GABA from an excitatory to an inhibitory neurotransmitter during motoneuron development.

GABA acts as a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult central nervous system.
In immature neurons, GABA has excitatory effects due to higher intracellular chloride levels.
The switch from excitatory to inhibitory effects of GABA occurs during the first postnatal week.
Mixed GABA/glycine synapses are present during early development.
GABAergic synaptic activity is crucial for the development of motor axon guidance.

GABA, a brain chemical, helps young nerve cells grow and change from being excited to calming down as they mature.

The study reviews existing data on GABAergic transmission and its effects on motoneurons during development.

The exact timing of the switch from excitatory to inhibitory effects of GABA in motoneurons remains undetermined.

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website