Distribution of GABA Receptors in the Thalamus and Their Involvement in Nociception

• Published in: Advances in Pharmacology Vol. 54; pp. 29 - 51
• Main Authors: Neto, Fani L., Ferreira‐Gomes, Joana, Castro‐Lopes, José M.
• Format: Book Chapter Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 2006
• Subjects: Animals; Gene Expression - genetics; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Nociceptors - physiopathology; Pain - physiopathology; Receptors, GABA-A - analysis; Receptors, GABA-A - genetics; Receptors, GABA-A - physiology; Receptors, GABA-B - analysis; Receptors, GABA-B - genetics; Receptors, GABA-B - physiology; RNA, Messenger - genetics; RNA, Messenger - metabolism; Thalamus - metabolism; Thalamus - physiopathology
• DOI: 10.1016/S1054-3589(06)54002-5
• ISBN: 0120329573; 9780120329571
• ISSN: 1054-3589

This chapter discusses the distribution of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the thalamus and their involvement in nociception. GABA receptors are ubiquitously expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), including the thalamus. This region is an important target for sensory information, acting as a relay to several cortical areas. The nociceptive input is modulated in the thalamus by intrinsic inhibitory mechanisms. Because GABA mediates most inhibitory actions in the thalamus, the distribution of the three currently known receptor subtypes, GABA , GABAB , and GABAC , in particular nuclei of the thalamus, may give some clues on its involvement in the processing of nociceptive information. The chapter provides an overall picture of the distribution of GABA receptors subunits in the thalamus, both during development and adulthood, and also focuses on the reports that implicate thalamic GABA receptors in the modulation of nociceptive input. Studies suggest that in some thalamic nuclei, opioid‐induced antinociception might be mediated by the GABAergic system.