Which scenario best illustrates the effect of decreased GABA activity on neuronal excitability?

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Multiple Choice

Which scenario best illustrates the effect of decreased GABA activity on neuronal excitability?

Explanation:
GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, and its activation normally dampens neuronal firing by opening chloride channels and causing hyperpolarization. When GABA activity decreases, the inhibitory brake is weakened, so neurons are less hyperpolarized and easier to reach the firing threshold. The net effect is increased neuronal excitability across neural circuits, which can manifest as heightened responsiveness or even seizures if the excitability is widespread. That’s why decreased GABA activity leads to more firing, not less. Increased inhibition would reduce excitability, and no change would leave firing patterns the same.

GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, and its activation normally dampens neuronal firing by opening chloride channels and causing hyperpolarization. When GABA activity decreases, the inhibitory brake is weakened, so neurons are less hyperpolarized and easier to reach the firing threshold. The net effect is increased neuronal excitability across neural circuits, which can manifest as heightened responsiveness or even seizures if the excitability is widespread.

That’s why decreased GABA activity leads to more firing, not less. Increased inhibition would reduce excitability, and no change would leave firing patterns the same.

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