| Reward system - GABA |
GABA, another neurotransmitter involved in the modulation of dopaminergic reward systems, plays a role in the mediation of effects of many drugs of abuse (1,2,3). GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter located diffusely throughout the brain. Drugs of abuse (DOA) act on the GABA receptor to hyperpolarize neurons. When a neuron is hyperpolarized, it is inhibited from firing. An analogy may be applying brakes to a car. Just as greater amounts of gas are required to cause the car to move while stepping on the brakes, greater amounts of stimuli are required to cause a neuron to fire that is hyperpolarized. When neurons fire they release neurotransmitter, and since drugs of abuse (DOA) inhibit these neurons, they release less GABA. When barbiturates, benzodiazapines or alcohol interact with the GABA receptor, they inhibit the release of GABA onto the dopaminergic neurons (1,2,3). Thus, this is like taking your foot off the brakes & allowing the car to go full speed ahead. The net result is disinhibition of dopaminergic neurons, making them fire more rapidly and releasing more dopamine in the reward system. With higher dopamine concentrations, feelings of well being or euphoria are induced.
Reference: http://ibgwww.colorado.edu/cadd/a_drug/essays/essay4.htm
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