Mapping convulsants' binding to the GABA-A receptor chloride ionophore: A proposed model for channel binding sites

A. V. Kalueff*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

41 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A receptors play a key role in brain inhibitory neurotransmission, and are ligand-activated chloride channels blocked by numerous convulsant ligands. Here we summarize data on binding of picrotoxin, tetrazoles, β-lactams, bicyclophosphates, butyrolactones and neurotoxic pesticides to GABA-A ionophore, and discuss functional and structural overlapping of their binding sites. The paper reviews data on convulsants' binding sensitivity to different point mutations in ionophore-lining second trans-membrane domains of GABA-A subunits, and maps possible location of convulsants' sites within the chloride ionophore. We also discuss data on inhibition of glycine, glutamate, serotonin (5-HT3) and N-acetylcholine receptors by GABA-A channel blockers, and examine the applicability of this model to other homologous ionotropic receptors. Positioning various convulsant-binding sites within ionophore of GABA-A receptors, this model enables a better understanding of complex architectonics of ionotropic receptors, and may be used for developing new channel-modulating drugs.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)61-68
Number of pages8
JournalNeurochemistry International
Volume50
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2007
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Binding sites
  • Channel chemoconvulsants
  • GABA-A receptors
  • Ionophore
  • Point mutagenesis

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