The actions of alcohol on GABA neurons that make contact with dopamine neurons in the ventral tegemental area could be described as:
A) putting on the brakes and taking off the accelerator.
B) taking off the brake while pressing the accelerator.
C) putting on the brakes and pressing on the accelerator.
D) taking off the brake and taking off the accelerator.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Alcohol increases the activity of GABA neurons, which typically inhibit dopamine neurons. By enhancing GABA's inhibitory effect, alcohol effectively reduces the inhibition on dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area, leading to increased dopamine release. This is akin to taking off the brake (reducing inhibition on dopamine neurons) while pressing the accelerator (increasing dopamine release), hence option B is correct.

The Actions of Alcohol on GABA Neurons That Make Contact