How could you increase the magnitude of inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) generated at a synapse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Increasing the K+ permeability would hyperpolarize the postsynaptic membrane, making it more difficult for that neuron to depolarize and fire an action potential. This is the mechanism by which IPSPs work, so increasing their magnitude would involve making it harder for the neuron to depolarize.

Answer A is incorrect because increasing Na+/K+ pump activity would not directly affect the postsynaptic membrane potential. Answer C is incorrect because increasing the influx of calcium would generally cause excitation, not inhibition. Answer D is incorrect because while the Na+/K+ pump and calcium influx can both indirectly affect postsynaptic potential, they do not directly influence the size of IPSPs.

How Could You Increase the Magnitude of Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potentials