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GABAergic neuron markers

A guide to commonly used markers for GABAergic neurons. We've put together the most common markers for GABAergic neurons to help you identify your neuronal population.
Last edited Wed 02 Nov 2022

What are GABAergic neurons?

GABAergic neurons produce gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS).

GABA is primarily synthesized from glutamate, catalyzed by glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), and is present at 30 - 40% of synapses. GABA induces either Cl- influx or K+ efflux, resulting in hyperpolarized neurons and reduced action potential. 

Dysfunction of GABA neurotransmission can result in several disorders, including schizophrenia and epilepsy. 

GABA transporter 1 (GAT1)

A transporter on the cell membrane that moves GABA into the cell, removing it from the synaptic cleft.

Browse all GABA transporter 1 antibodies.

Mouse brain tissue sections stained with anti-GABA transporter 1 (ab64645).

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References

View 1 reference for GABA transporter 1 (GAT1)

GABA B receptors 1 and 2

GABAB receptors are metabotropic transmembrane receptors for GABA that are linked via G-proteins to potassium channels. GABA​B receptor 1 and GABAB receptor 2 assemble as heterodimers in neuronal membranes.

Browse all GABAB1 antibodies

Browse all GABAB2 antibodies

Rat brain (hippocampus) stained with anti-GABAB receptor 1 (red) (ab55051).

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References

View 5 references for GABA B receptors 1 and 2

GAD65

The 65 kDa isomorph of glutamate decarboxylase that catalyzes the formation of GABA from glutamate.

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Rat cerebellar cortex labeled with anti-GAD65 (ab26113).

GAD67

The 67 kDa isomorph of glutamate decarboxylase. Unlike GAD65, which is also expressed in the pancreas, GAD67 is CNS-specific.

Browse all GAD67 antibodies

Mouse cerebellum sections stained with anti-GAD67 (ab26116).

References

View 2 references for GAD67

References

GABA B receptors 1 and 2

Adam, C. L.,, Lawrence, A. J. CGP7930: A Positive Allosteric Modulator of the GABAB Receptor CNS Drug Reviews , (2007)

Misgeld, U.,, Bijak, M.,, Jarolimek, W. A physiological role for GABAB receptors and the effects of baclofen in the mammalian central nervous system Progress in Neurobiology , (1995)

Bettler, B.,, Kaupmann, K.,, Mosbacher, J.,, Gassmann, M. Molecular structure and physiological functions of GABA(B) receptors. Physiological Reviews , (2004)

Rey, A. A.,, Purrio, M., , Viveros, M.-P.,, Lutz, B. Biphasic Effects of Cannabinoids in Anxiety Responses: CB1 and GABAB Receptors in the Balance of GABAergic and Glutamatergic Neurotransmission Neuropsychopharmacology , (2012)

Obrietan, K.,, van den Pol, A. N. GABAB Receptor-Mediated Inhibition of GABAA Receptor Calcium Elevations in Developing Hypothalamic Neurons Journal of Neurophysiology , (1998)