GABAB receptors: modulation of thalamocortical dynamics and synaptic plasticity

GABAB-receptors (GABAB-Rs) are metabotropic, G protein-coupled receptors for the neurotransmitter GABA. Their activation induces slow inhibitory control of neuronal excitability mediated by pre- and postsynaptic inhibition. Presynaptically GABAB-Rs reduce GABA glutamate release inhibiting presynaptic Ca2+ channels in both excitatory synapses while induce robust hyperpolarization K+ channels. activated non-synaptic or volume transmission, which requires high levels release, either simultaneous discharge GABAergic interneurons very intense discharges thalamus means a neurogliaform cortex. The main receptor subunits GABAB1a, GABAB1b GABAB2 strongly expressed neurons glial cells throughout central nervous system GABAB-R is related to many processes such as modulation rhythmic activity several brain regions. In thalamus, modulate generation thalamic rhythm, spindle waves. cerebral cortex, also most prominent emergent oscillatory activity—slow oscillations—as well faster oscillations like gamma frequency. Further, recent studies evaluating complexity cortical network, parameter associated with consciousness levels, have found that enhance this complexity, their blockade decreases it. This review summarizes current results on how affects interchange information between areas controlling rhythmicity synaptic plasticity.