A protein complex which is capable of GABA receptor activity. Upon binding of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) it transmits the signal from one side of the membrane to the other to initiate a change in cell activity. Major inhibitory receptor in vertebrate brain. Also found in other vertebrate tissues, invertebrates and possibly in plants. Effective benzodiazepine receptor. [ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18790874 GOC:TermGenie http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/go/references/0000088 GOC:bhm ]