How GABA works in the part of the brain that deals with hearing
Action for Tinnitus Research (ATR) recently reported on a promising new drug that could treat tinnitus. Researchers at the University of Leicester and Leicester Royal Infirmary spoke to us about how effective drugs such as Campral could be in treating tinnitus.�
They told us: "We know there is some evidence that Campral may exert some of its action at specific sites in the brain neuronal cells known as the GABA receptors. GABA is a molecule that the brain uses itself that enables the cells to communicate with one another and send millions of messages throughout the brain".�
They described how GABA works in the part of the brain that deals with hearing - referred to by hearing specialists as the auditory pathway. GABA was first discovered in the 1950s, and since then scientists have realised how incredibly important it is to how our brain works.�
"Generally, GABA acts to reduce activity in the nerve cells including the auditory pathway. These include some of the messages dealing with our hearing. If the binding of GABA is disturbed or it is not produced in sufficient amounts then it is possible that tinnitus might result."
They explained how there was an increasing body of supporting evidence that show how GABA and its receptors can act in mediating at least some types of tinnitus.
"Work by a number of researchers in the US is providing us with insights into the possible role of drugs that act at the GABA receptor in reducing tinnitus. Some studies have used a drug that acts like GABA to make up for its absence. They have also tried this in combination with another well known group of drugs known as the benzodiazepines."
The researchers at Leicester told us that the benzodiazepines can act to enhance the activity of GABA.� They also described the evidence from brain scans that these drugs seem to produce changes in those regions of the brain thought to be involved in either generating or possibly handling the response of the patient to tinnitus.
They outlined how future studies could build on this knowledge:�
"This work contributes to an increased understanding of how tinnitus may be treated, at least in some tinnitus patients.� We know that it is important to replicate these findings and to carefully monitor patients in the longer term. We would also like to focus on how the drugs actually exert their effect and to what extent they are reducing the tinnitus and the anxiety or annoyance that the tinnitus itself can generate".
In response to this, Action for Tinnitus Research has launched an urgent appeal to raise funds to investigate Campral and other related drugs.��
Please support our appeal today
References
Goldstein B, Shulman A (2003). Tinnitus Outcome Profile and Tinnitus Control. Int. Tinnitus Journal. 9, 26-31.
Shulman A, Strashun A. Goldstein B (2002). GABAA� - Benzodiazepine - Chloride Receptor - Targeted Therapy for Tinnitus Control: Preliminary Report. Int. Tinnitus Journal. 8, 30-36.
Daftary A , Shulman A,. Strashun A et al., (2004), Benzodiazepine Receptor Distribution in Severe Intractable Tinnitus. Int. Tinnitus Journal. 10, 17-23.
