About GABA and Glutamate

GABA and Glutamate

A Quick Summary

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) and glutamate (GLU) are tiny pearls called amino acids, they need no conversion or enzyme to act on synapses of the neuron. Most synaptic communication is accomplished by amino acids because they are fast-acting over short distances.

For example, benzodiazepines (BZD) act and respond quickly to the brain compared to serotonin (SSRI) medications, it’s also why there’s so much potential for abuse with BZD. Here’s a quick guide to help understand these little pearls.

The flow of 3 g’s Glutamine -> Glutamate-> GABA:

synthesis of amino acids; gaba
The synthesis of glutamate, a nonessential amino acid because the body is capable of making its own glutamate and GABA

Glutamine is the precursor to many metabolic demands and activities.  Glutamine is the most abundant naturally occurring, a nonessential amino acid in the human body, and one of the few amino acids that can directly cross the blood-brain barrier. Humans obtain glutamine through the catabolism of proteins in the foods they eat. In situations where tissue is being built or repaired, like the growth of babies, or healing from wounds or severe illness, glutamine becomes very essential.

–Wiki

Pathways of Glutamate
Glutamate Pathways

Glutamate

Glutamate is an amino acid and it took a while to recognize as a neurotransmitter. Although what stimulates or inhibits its action is unknown, it is the main excitatory neurotransmitter of the CNS.

This was primarily accepted by studying seizure disorders, in which what triggers them or makes them stop is still unknown, anticonvulsants help but do not always prevent a seizure.

Glutamate is involved in memory storage and pain perception, it’s also present in almost all brain functions and found in all the CNS structures

 

GABA Pathways
The Pathways of GABA

GABA

GABA is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter that is often referred to as “nature’s VALIUM-like substance”. When GABA is out of range (high or low excretion values), it is likely that an excitatory neurotransmitter is firing too often in the brain.

GABA will be sent out to attempt to balance the over-firing stimulus. Fast firing requires fast calming.

People with too little GABA tend to suffer from anxiety disorders, and drugs like Valium work by enhancing the effects of GABA.

Lots of other drugs influence GABA receptors, including alcohol and barbiturates. If GABA is lacking in certain parts of the brain, epilepsy may result.

GABA & Glutamate (key details of both)

  • Anti-anxiety drugs and ETOH are agonists for GABA.
  • Lack of GABA may contribute to epilepsy, a brain disorder resulting in uncontrolled
    movement and convulsions.
  • Glutamate is involved in memory storage and pain perception.
  • Excessive glutamate can lead to neuron death; a glutamate deficiency has been proposed with the pathology of schizophrenia.
Print Friendly, PDF & Email