GABA, a natural immunomodulator of T lymphocytes
Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main neuroinhibitory transmitter in the brain. Here we show that GABA in the extracellular space may affect the fate of pathogenic T lymphocytes entering the brain. We examined in encephalitogenic T cells if they expressed functional GABA channels that could be activated by the low (nM-1 microM), physiological concentrations of GABA present around neurons in the brain. The cells expressed the alpha1, alpha4, beta2, beta3, gamma1 and delta GABAA channel subunits and formed functional, extrasynaptic-like GABA channels that were activated by 1 microM GABA. 100 nM and higher GABA concentrations decreased T cell proliferation. The results are consistent with GABA being immunomodulatory.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Journal of Neuroimmunology |
Volume | 205 |
Issue number | 1-2 |
Pages (from-to) | 44-50 |
Number of pages | 6 |
ISSN | 0165-5728 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2008 |
ID: 9938430