GABA binding processes in rat brain and liver.

Abstract

Although these studies have provided some further insight into GABA binding processes associated with transport and receptor-activation, such attempts remain limited due to the lack of specificity of the ligands used to displace these components. Thus, BMI appeared to interact with both transport and synaptic receptor sites for GABA. Perhaps certain GABA-agonists (e.g., muscimol, isoguvacine) will be shown to interact more specifically with synaptic GABA-receptors? So-called "specific" binding of GABA and its analogues, or antagonists might not be the issue to be kept in focus in this type of experiment, especially since it cannot be separated into presynaptic, postsynaptic and non-synaptic components. The specificity of an interaction of ligand with membrane site may be determined by other requirements of the particular system concerned. In any case, it seems essential to examine the binding sites, themselves, in order to define more clearly which of these are involved in receptor-activation and in uptake. An approach involving the isolation and purification of GABA-receptors should provide evidence for specific binding of GABA to its postsynaptic receptors.