Which neurotransmitter does Benzodiazepine primarily increase?

Which neurotransmitter does Benzodiazepine primarily increase?

• A. Dopamine
• B. Serotonin
• C. GABA
• D. Norepinephrine

Answer: (C)

Benzodiazepines primarily increase the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. These medications bind to a specific site on the GABA-A receptor, enhancing the effect of GABA when it binds to its receptor. This results in increased chloride ion influx into the neuron, leading to hyperpolarization and making it less likely for the neuron to fire. The overall effect of this action is sedative, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant, making benzodiazepines useful in treating conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. The influence of the other neurotransmitters is not the primary action of benzodiazepines. While there may be secondary interactions with dopamine, serotonin, or norepinephrine systems, the direct and primary effect of benzodiazepines is the enhancement of GABA activity. This specificity is crucial in understanding the pharmacological action of benzodiazepines and their therapeutic uses.

Benzodiazepines primarily increase the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. These medications bind to a specific site on the GABA-A receptor, enhancing the effect of GABA when it binds to its receptor. This results in increased chloride ion influx into the neuron, leading to hyperpolarization and making it less likely for the neuron to fire. The overall effect of this action is sedative, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant, making benzodiazepines useful in treating conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, and seizures.

The influence of the other neurotransmitters is not the primary action of benzodiazepines. While there may be secondary interactions with dopamine, serotonin, or norepinephrine systems, the direct and primary effect of benzodiazepines is the enhancement of GABA activity. This specificity is crucial in understanding the pharmacological action of benzodiazepines and their therapeutic uses.