Peripheral GABAergic mechanisms

The early assumption that γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is present in vertebrates and plays a neurotransmitter role solely in the CNS has been disproved. Increasing evidence has shown that GABA is present and may even be a neurotransmitter in certain peripheral tissues of mammals. In spite of the fact that specific GABAergic responses have also been demonstrated in numerous peripheral tissues, little attention has been paid to the functional importance of GABAergic mechanisms outside the brain. In the present review Sándor L. Erdö summarizes the current knowledge of GABAergic systems in peripheral tissues and emphasizes the functional relevance of GABA in a series of peripheral organs.