Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid A Receptor Beta 2 (gABRb2)

GABRB2 is a member of the GABA-A receptor gene family of heteromeric pentameric ligand-gated ion channels through which GABA, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain, acts. GABA-A receptors are the site of action of a number of important pharmacologic agents including barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and ethanol. Both GABA-A receptors and the GABA synthetic enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase are expressed in pulmonary epithelial cells. Activation of GABA-A receptors depolarized these cells. The expression of glutamic acid decarboxylases GAD65 and GAD67 in the cytosol and GABA-A receptors in the apical membranes of airway epithelial cells increased markedly when mice were sensitized and then challenged with ovalbumin, an approach for inducing allergic asthmatic reactions.