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Agonism and antagonism of γ-aminobutyric acid

Abstract

EVIDENCE that (+)bicuculline (BIC) is a competitive antagonist of the central inhibitory transmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is based1 mainly on apparent similarities between the molecular structures of BIC, GABA and agonists of GABA. Until recently, there has not been any explanation of the differing potencies of the agonists, or why BIC is an antagonist instead.

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STEWARD, E., BORTHWICK, P., CLARKE, G. et al. Agonism and antagonism of γ-aminobutyric acid. Nature 256, 600–602 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1038/256600a0

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