【Abstract】　Background：Excessive release of excitatory amino acids is a main cause of neuron death during cerebral ischemia. GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in mammal central nervous system, the changes of GABA neurotransmitter and its receptor system may inhibit the neurotoxicity induced by excitatory amino acids. A few research concentrate on the role of inhibitory neurotransmitter systems during cerebral ischemia in the past. Recently, Some studies found that the effective enhancement of the GABAergic system function can improve cerebral ischemic outcome. Objective: To investigate the role of GABAergic system during cerebral ischemia. Contents: This review will focus on the GABA neurotransmitter, the structure, distribution, physiological functions of GABA receptors and their changes during cerebral ischemia, with related mechanisms. Trend: GABAergic system is expected to provide new ideas for the treatment of clinical ischemic brain injury.