To stimulate a reward pathway in the brain, Dr. Brochier targets GABA receptors with heroin. What is the relationship between GABA receptors and the reward pathway?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Inhibiting GABA receptors indirectly causes an increase in dopamine neuron activity. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and its receptors typically inhibit various functions. In the context of the reward pathway, inhibiting GABAergic neurons (which normally suppress dopamine release) leads to an increase in dopamine neuron activity, thereby enhancing the reward sensation. Heroin and other opioids indirectly cause an increase in dopamine levels by inhibiting GABAergic neurons, which normally inhibit dopamine neurons.

To Stimulate a Reward Pathway in the Brain, Dr