An Amino Acid Neurotransmitter That Operates at Inhibitory Synapses in the Brain

Question

An amino acid neurotransmitter that operates at inhibitory synapses in the brain is
A) acetylcholine.
B) epinephrine.
C) endorphin.
D) serotonin.
E) gamma-aminobutyric acid, GABA.

Accepted Answer

The amino acid neurotransmitter that operates at inhibitory synapses in the brain is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA works by binding to specific receptors on the post-synaptic neuron, which leads to an influx of negatively charged chloride ions into the cell, making it more difficult for the cell to fire an action potential. This inhibitory action makes GABA an important regulator of neural activity and contributes to its therapeutic effects in the treatment of anxiety and other neurological disorders.