COMMENTARY ON THE LAW

The effect of changes in extracellular pH on neuronal GABAA receptors

Ewa Zarnowska , Katarzyna Mercik , Maria Mandat , Jerzy Mozrzymas

Published: 2002-05-15

GICID: 01.3001.0000.3499

Available language versions: en

Issue: Postepy Hig Med Dosw 2002; 56 (3)

Abstract

Local pH values of both intra- and extracellular liquids can be regulated by a number of mechanisms including membrane transport and metabolism. It is known that the changes of extracellular pH accompanying physiological and pathological processes are sufficient to affect several important structures such as ionic channels, transporters, receptors etc. In particular, several reports indicate that GABAA receptor is strongly modulated by this factor. The effect of pH on these receptors strongly depend on the subtype of GABAA receptor (subunit composition). The application of ultrafast perfusion system allowed to explore the mechanisms of pH effect on GABAA receptors in neurons. It is concluded that changes in pH exert their effects by allosteric modulation of GABAA receptors.