| Summary: | γ-Aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABAARs) are GABA
gated heteropentameric chloride channels responsible for the adult brain’s
primary inhibition. In specific brain cells, such as in the hippocampus, one of
the subtypes of GABAARs, the δ subunit containing GABAARs
(δ-GABAARs), is predominantly expressed and located in
extrasynaptic or perisynaptic positions. δ-GABAARs mediate a slow
constant inhibitory current called tonic inhibition. While
δ-GABAARs and tonic inhibition is critical for the excitability of
single neurons, accumulating data suggest that the function of
δ-GABAARs are broader and includes an integrative role in the
network oscillations. While these open new horizons on the neurobiology of
δ-GABAARs, the complexity continues to challenge the analysis of
GABAARs and their subtypes. This review will summarize the current knowledge
of molecular, cellular and physiological characteristics of
δ-GABAARs during health and disease.
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