Question

Benzodiazepine drugs primarily exert their effects on GABA synapses by:

a) Inhibiting GABA release
b) Blocking GABA receptors
c) Enhancing the binding of GABA to its receptors
d) Decreasing the synthesis of GABA

Answer 1

Benzodiazepines enhance the binding of the neurotransmitter GABA to its receptors, especially GABAA receptors, reducing neuronal excitability and creating calming effects in the brain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question deals with the mechanism by which benzodiazepine drugs exert their effects on GABA synapses. Benzodiazepines are known to act as GABA agonists, meaning they enhance the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA within the brain. Correctly, these drugs primarily exert their effects by c) Enhancing the binding of GABA to its receptors, particularly the GABAA receptors. This enhancement leads to an increased influx of chloride ions into neurons, hyperpolarizing the membrane, and consequently, decreasing neuronal excitability. This decrease in neuronal excitability is what provides the therapeutic effects of benzodiazepines, such as sedation, anxiolytic effects, and muscle relaxation.