How the Brain Balances Excitation and Inhibition
8 hours ago
- #brain-function
- #neuromodulation
- #neuroscience
- Neurons in the brain are broadly categorized into excitatory (trigger firing) and inhibitory (prevent firing) types.
- Maintaining the right balance between excitation and inhibition is crucial for brain health; imbalances can lead to conditions like epilepsy or autism.
- Excitatory neurons release glutamate, increasing neuron voltage, while inhibitory neurons release GABA, decreasing voltage.
- Inhibitory neurons, though less studied, play active roles in functions like learning and memory by selectively decreasing firing.
- Recent research shows inhibitory neurons are more specific in their targets than previously thought, not just broadly inhibiting nearby cells.
- Neuromodulatory neurons, a rarer third category, work on slower timescales and influence large areas, affecting excitatory and inhibitory neurons.
- Some neurons can switch identities or have dual functions, blurring the lines between categories.
- Understanding these interactions could lead to treatments for neurological conditions caused by imbalances.