Science Fair Project Encyclopedia GABA A receptor The receptor
is a multimeric transmembrane receptor that sits in the membrane
of its neuron. Once bound to its ligand, the protein receptor
changes confirmation within the membrane. This particular
protein is configured in such a way as to allow certain ions to
pass through its pore when the pore is open. The ligand GABA is
the endogenous compound that tells this receptor to open,
allowing chloride ions (Cl-) to pass down its electrochemical
gradient . Because the chloride ion concentration is high
outside of the cell, opening of the channel pore results in an
influx of chloride into the cell, thus hyperpolarizing it. Other
ligands interact with the GABA(A) receptor to mimic GABA or to
potentiate its response. Such other ligands include the
benzodiazepines (increase pore opening frequency), barbiturates
(increase pore opening duration), and certain steroids. Still
other compounds interact with the GABA(A) receptor to attenuate
the effects of GABA; such blockin