GABAergic system – physiological role and clinical significance

This work presents a review of the literature using the elibrary.ru, CyberLeninka, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases with the key terms “Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)”, “GABA agonists”, “GABA antagonists”, “GABA pathophysiology”, “children and adolescents”. The information obtained was analyzed, systematized and presented in three sections: general aspects of GABA, pathophysiology of GABA and GABAergic pharmacology and therapy. Currently, three types of GABA receptors have been identified: two fast-acting GABA-A and GABA-C and one slow-acting GABA-B. GABA is a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator of the autonomic nervous system, a hormone and trophic factor in endocrine organs, including the pituitary gland, pancreas, adrenal glands, uterus, ovaries, placenta and testes. Disturbance of GABA signaling is a pathophysiological link in diseases of the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, endocrine diseases (diabetes mellitus, diseases of the adrenal glands and reproductive organs). The GABA system of the autonomic nervous, endocrine and immune systems is being intensively studied for drug treatment of functional disorders of these systems. GABA acts not only as a neurotransmitter, its role as a neurohormone, trophic factor and immunomodulator has been established, which makes it a multifunctional molecule. In neurology, GABAergic drugs are used to treat paroxysmal disorders, including periodic syndromes of childhood, sleep disorders, complications of alcoholism, spasticity, acute and chronic pain, anxiety disorders and depression. The authors consider the therapeutic possibilities of aminophenylbutyric acid hydrochloride and its encapsulated form (Anvifen) in the treatment of neurological disorders and especially in pediatric practice. In view of the restrictions on the use of antidepressants and anxiolytics in children and adolescents, aminophenylbutyric acid hydrochloride is an effective and safe drug of choice in pediatric practice. The authors present the results of clinical observations of the drug’s effectiveness and safety.