Definition of Gamma aminobutyric acid

1. Noun. An amino acid that is found in the central nervous system; acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter.

Exact synonyms: Gaba
Generic synonyms: Amino Acid, Aminoalkanoic Acid, Neurotransmitter

Medical Definition of Gamma aminobutyric acid

1. An important amino acid which functions as the most prevalent inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Gamma aminobutyric acid works in partnership with a derivative of Vitamin B-6, pyridoxine, to cross from the axons to the dendrites through the synaptic cleft, in response to an electrical signal in the neuron and inhibits message transmission. This helps control the nerve cells from firing too fast, which would overload the system. The action of gamma aminobutyric acid decreases epileptic seizures and muscle spasms by inhibiting electrical signals in this manner. Studies have shown that the site of action in the brain of benzodiazepams, including Valium, is directly coupled to the brain receptor for gamma aminobutyric acid. Acronym: GABA (05 Jan 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Gamma Aminobutyric Acid

gamma-hydroxybutyric acid
gamma-hydroxybutyric acids
gamma-interferon
gamma-iodopropyleneglycol
gamma-iron
gamma-l-glutamyl-l-cysteinylglycine
gamma-linolenic acid
gamma-oxalomesaconate hydratase
gamma-ray
gamma-ray burst
gamma-tocopherol
gamma-tocopherol methyltransferase
gamma-tolerance
gamma acid
gamma alcoholism
gamma aminobutyric acid (current term)
gamma aminobutyric acid receptor
gamma angle
gamma benzene hexachloride
gamma bomb
gamma bombs
gamma camera
gamma cameras
gamma cell of pancreas
gamma crystallin
gamma decay
gamma decays
gamma efferent
gamma emission
gamma encephalography

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