Although the inhibitory role of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the visual system has been recognised for some time, important new insights into the function of GABA have been made in the last few years. As a result of advances in the field of neurotransmission, there are now accurate morphological and synaptic descriptions of GABA neurons. Computer morphometry techniques allow three-dimensional reconstruction of GABAergic networks to measure distributions and morphologies of GABA neurons and receptors. Availability of specific ligands and antibodies to GABA receptor subtypes, have advanced understanding of selective distribution of these subtypes and their roles in gating actions of GABA. Patch clamp techniques in cell culture have made it possible to study the channel properties of GABA cells. This volume brings together a summary of current understanding of the organization and function of GABA in the visual system. It provides a comprehensive overview of the GABA function, reveals the vital inhibitory mechanisms common amongst all the visual structures, and illustrates the similarities and differences in GABA organization in the different regions of the visual brain.
Introduction (R. Mize, R. Marc, A. Sillito). Retina. Expression of
GABA-A receptors in the vertebrate retina (N.C. Brecha). The physiology of
GABA-A receptors in retinal neurons (A.T. Ishida). The physiology of GABA-B
receptors in the vertebrate retina (M.M. Slaughter, Z-H. Pan). Structural
organization of GABAergic circuitry in ectotherm retinas (R.E. Marc).
Functional organization of GABAergic circuitry in ectotherm retinas (S.M.
Wu). GABAergic circuits in the mammalian retina (M.A. Freed). Development of
GABAergic neurons in the mammalian retina (D.A. Redburn). Subcortical Visual
Pathways. GABA-A and pre- and post-synaptic GABA-B receptor-mediated
responses in the lateral geniculate nucleus (I. Soltesz, V. Crunelli).
GABAergic circuits in the lateral geniculate nucleus of the cat (D.J.
Uhlrich, J. Cucchiaro). Inhibitory GABAergic control of visual signals at the
lateral geniculate nucleus (T.T. Norton, D.W. Godwin). The organization of
GABAergic neurons in the mammalian superior colliculus (R.R. Mize). The
distribution and function of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the superior
colliculus (Y. Okada). Behavioural consequences of manipulating GABA
neurotransmission in the superior colliculus (P. Dean, P. Redgrave).
GABAergic neurons and circuits in the pretectal nuclei and the accessory
optic systems of mammals (J.J.L. Van Der Want, J.J. Nunes Cardozo, C. van der
Togt). The pathways and functions of GABA in the oculomotor system (R.F.
Spencer, S-F. Wang, R. Baker). Visual Cortex. GABA-A and GABA-B mediated
processes in visual cortex (B.W. Connors). GABA-mediated inhibitory processes
in the function of the geniculo-striate system (A. Sillito). GABAergic
networks of basket cells in the visual cortex (Z. Kisvarday). Lateral
inhibitory interactions in areas 17 and 18 of the visual cortex (U.T. Eysel).
The synaptic inputs to simple cells of the cat visual cortex (D. Ferster).
GABA-mediated inhibition in the neural networks of visual cortex (N.J.
Berman, R. Douglas, K.A.C. Martin). Organization and plasticity of GABA
neurons and receptors in monkey visual cortex (S. Hendry, R. Carder).
Molecular properties of GABAergic local-circuit neurons in the mammalian
visual cortex (C.J. Barnstable et al). Development of GABA-containing neurons
in visual cortex (J.G. Parnavelas).
