The inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA signals through two distinct types of pre- and postsynaptic receptors, GABAA and GABAB. Both GABA receptors can regulate depression of synaptic transmission and be involved in the inhibition controlling neuronal excitability. Mutations in the gene may be responsible for the pathogenesis of childhood absence epilepsy (CAE). Polymorphism in this gene is also related to attenuation in hormonal and blood pressure responses under certain psychological stress.
