Gabapentin: A γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Analog Anticonvulsant and Analgesic Agent
Gabapentin is a neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) [
A0282] analog anticonvulsant and analgesic agent. Although the exact mechanism is unknown, gabapentin may reduce Ca
2+ currents into brain neurons through the binding to the α2δ subunit of voltage-dependent Ca
2+ channels and reduces the release of several monoamine neurotransmitters. Furthermore, gabapentin may increase the concentration and the rate of synthesis of GABA in brain. Although GABA does not cross the blood-brain barrier, gabapentin penetrates into the central nervous system. (The product is for research purpose only.)