The responses to rapid application of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and the GABA receptor characteristics of MTXO neurosecretory cells in the eyestalks of Chinese mitten-handed crab (Eriocheir sinensis) were examined by whole-cell patch clamp. Under current clamp mode, the depolarization and hyperpolarization were evoked from the three types of neurosecretory cells in response to the GABA (0.1 mmol/L) depending on the Nernst Cl^－ potential. Under voltage clamp mode, the inward Cl^－ channel currents(I_GABA) were resolved from all three types of neurosecretory cells in response to GABA (0.01～5 mmol/L). The GABA currents were activated within 1 200 ms and peaked within 800 ms. No obviously desensitization was observed during GABA application. The dose-response curve showed usual S-shape, with a just-discernible effect at 0.01 mmol/L and near-saturation at 0.5 mmol/L. The GABA currents had reversal potentials that followed Nernst Cl^－ potentials when ［Cl^－］ was varied. The pharmacological results revealed that the GABA receptor of the crab neurosecretory cells was sensitive to the Cl^－ channel blockers picrotoxin and niflumic acid (0.5 mmol/L), insensitive to GABA_A receptor antagonist bicuculline and GABA_C receptor agonist cis-4-aminocrotonic acid (CACA 1 mmol/L) and trans-4-aminocrotonic (TACA 1 mmol/L).