Znaczenie układu GABA w patogenezie choroby Alzheimera oraz jako potencjalnego punktu uchwytu działania nowych leków

Recent studies on the pathomechanism of Alzheimer's disease have shown profound alterations in GABA signaling in brains of dementia patients. GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, responsible for controlling other neurotransmitter systems. Deficits in GABAergic transmission may lead to cognitive impairments and to behavioral and psychological symptoms of Alzheimer's dementia. Therefore GABAergic transmissionas may be considered as a viable target for novel anti-dementia drugs. Several projects have been initiated worldwide searching for selective ligands of the GABA-A receptor subunits and multimodal substances acting at different neurotransmitter systems, including the GABA-A receptor. Results of preclinical studies and preliminary data from clinical trials tend to indicate that GABA-A receptor ligands may be potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.