Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors are pentameric membrane proteins that operate GABA-gated chloride channels and inhibit neurotransmission in the central nervous system. The rho receptor subunits do not exhibit sensitivity to typical GABA receptor modulators such as bicuculline, hexobarbital, and diazepam. While the rho 1 subunit localizes specifically to the retina, rho 2 expresses in all regions of the brain, though levels were still highest in the retina, implying a role for both subunits in visual pathways.