Abstract

This monograph was assembled to honor Professor Norman Bowery and his work on the 30^th anniversary of his discovery of the GABA_B receptor. In the present volume, leading neuroscientists from academia and industry provide a perspective of current research, both basic and translational, in the discovery of drugs acting at the GABA_B receptor. The topics covered provide a comprehensive review of the field and the current state of research in this area. Included are chapters on the chemistry of GABA_B agonists and antagonists, on the genetics and molecular composition of the site, its regulation and trafficking, and its role in controlling cellular, autonomic, and behavioral function. There are also chapters describing the potential clinical utility of drugs regulating GABA_B activity receptor in the areas of hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Down syndrome, depression, and substance abuse.

The information contained in this text will be of particular interest to neuroscientists in general and to neuropharmacologists in particular.