Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by intellectual disability, sensory hypersensitivity, and high incidences of autism spectrum disorders and epilepsy. These phenotypes are suggestive of defects in neural circuit development and imbalances in excitatory glutamatergic and inhibitory GABAergic neurotransmission. While alterations in excitatory synapse function...

Establishing and maintaining the appropriate number of GABA synapses is key for balancing excitation and inhibition in the nervous system, though we have only a limited understanding of the mechanisms controlling GABA circuit connectivity. Here, we show that disrupting cholinergic innervation of GABAergic neurons in the C. elegans motor circuit alters GABAergic neuron synaptic connectivity. The...

A defect in neurotransmission involving gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) in schizophrenia was first proposed in the early 1970s. Since that time, a considerable effort has been made to find such a defect in components of the GABAergic system. After a brief introduction focusing on historical perspectives, this paper reviews post-mortem and other biological studies examining the following compone...

background: lippia citriodora kunth is one of the iranian traditional medicines for the treatment of convulsive disorders. the goal of this study is to investigate the anticonvulsant activity of the plant’s leave ethanolic extract against electro‑ and chemoconvulsant‑induced seizures in mice. methods: the anticonvulsant activity of the extract (200, 400, 800 mg/kg, per os, p.o.) was investigate...

Post-mortem studies suggested a disturbance of the GABAergic system in schizophrenia. Neonatal ventral hippocampal-lesioned (NVHL) rats were used as a neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia. Here, we characterized the GABAergic system, focusing on the GABA-synthesizing enzyme, GAD67, GABAergic interneuron characteristic proteins, and the GABA transporter, gat-1. As the GABAergic system is cr...

Introduction: The GABAergic system of the brain plays a key role in morphine tolerance and sensitization. As isoniazid is a modulator of the GABAergic system, the present study aims to understand whether isoniazid can influence the induction of tolerance and sensitization to the rewarding effects of morphine.  Methods: The rewarding effects of morphine and isoniazid were assessed using a Condi...

GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. The GABAergic system is indispensable for maintaining the balance between excitation and inhibition (E/I balance) required for normal neural circuit function. E/I imbalances that result from perturbations in the development of this system, ranging from the generation of inhibitory neurons to the formation of their...

Epilepsy is accompanied with a strong change in neuronal activity not only in excitatory (glutamatergic) and inhibitory (GABAergic) neurotransmission, but also in neuromodulatory agents. Dopaminergic system, as an important neuromodulatory system of the brain, has significant effect on neuronal excitability. In addition, this system undergoes many changes in epileptic brain. Understanding the e...