Anxiety and depression: Mouse genetics and pharmacological approaches to the role of GABA(A) receptor subtypes

GABA(A) receptors mediate fast synaptic inhibitory neurotransmission throughout the central nervous system. Recent work indicates a role for GABA(A) receptors in physiologically modulating anxiety and depression levels. In this review, we summarize research that led to the identification of the essential role of GABA(A) receptors in counteracting trait anxiety and depression-related behaviors, and research aimed at identifying individual GABA(A) receptor subtypes involved in physiological and pharmacological modulation of emotions. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Anxiety and Depression'. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.