If chronic alcohol consumption is associated with greater levels of NMDA receptors,what will likely happen if alcohol use abruptly stops?
A) Greater excitatory effects will occur for neurons with NMDA receptors.
B) Global levels of glutamate will be depleted.
C) The flow of positively charged ions through NMDA receptors will be reduced.
D) Neurons with NMDA receptors will return to a normal state of activity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chronic alcohol consumption leads to upregulation of NMDA receptors, which results in increased excitatory effects on neurons. Abrupt alcohol cessation would mean sudden removal of the NMDA receptor activator, leading to an imbalance in the activity of neurons with NMDA receptors. This would result in a surge of excitation and increased excitotoxicity, which could result in seizures or even neuronal death in the most severe cases.

If Chronic Alcohol Consumption Is Associated with Greater Levels of NMDA