Facilitated by specific enzymes, GABA binds to post-synaptic receptors, with GABAergic neurons playing a key role in system regulation.
[6] Gamma-aminobutyric acid Reuptake Inhibitors (GRIs) hinder the functioning of GATs, preventing GABA reabsorption in the pre-synaptic cell.
[9][10][11] The inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA plays a complex role in modulating anxiety and stress, regulating sleep, circadian rhythms, mood, cognition, and perception.
GRIs can induce a wide range of psychological and physiological effects, including: Many of these properties are dependent on whether the GRI in question is capable of crossing the blood-brain-barrier (BBB).
GRIs such as CI-966 have been characterized as hallucinogens with effects analogous to those of the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol (a constituent of Amanita muscaria (fly agaric) mushrooms) when administered at sufficient doses.