Which neurotransmitter is known as the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter?

The chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system is gamma-aminobutyric acid, commonly known as GABA. GABA plays a crucial role in reducing neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system. By binding to its receptors, GABA causes hyperpolarization of neurons, making it more difficult for them to fire and transmit signals. This action helps to regulate various physiological processes, including anxiety, mood regulation, and muscle relaxation, contributing to a balanced inhibitory influence within the brain.

The significance of GABA in mental health is highlighted by its involvement in conditions such as anxiety disorders, where decreased GABA activity can lead to increased levels of anxiety. Medications that enhance GABAergic activity, such as benzodiazepines, are often used to treat these conditions by promoting relaxation and calmness.

Other neurotransmitters listed do not serve as the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine is primarily involved in excitatory transmission and muscle activation in the peripheral nervous system. Dopamine functions primarily as a modulatory neurotransmitter influencing mood, cognition, and reward pathways, and while it can exert some inhibitory effects in certain pathways, it is not classified as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Glutamate is predominantly the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain