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An inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) is a kind of synaptic potential that makes a postsynaptic neuron less likely to generate an action potential. [1] The opposite of an inhibitory postsynaptic potential is an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP), which is a synaptic potential that makes a postsynaptic neuron more likely to generate an action potential.
Excitatory post-synaptic potentials (EPSPs) depolarize the membrane and move the potential closer to the threshold for an action potential to be generated. Inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) hyperpolarize the membrane and move the potential farther away from the threshold, decreasing the likelihood of an action potential occurring. [2]
Long-term potentiation (LTP) is one mechanism where repeated EPSPs occur, strengthening neural circuits involved in learning, allowing the brain to store information more effectively. Long-term depression (LTD) is another mechanism where IPSPs occur weakening less-used synapses, refining learning by filtering out unnecessary information.
Basic ways that neurons can interact with each other when converting input to output. Summation, which includes both spatial summation and temporal summation, is the process that determines whether or not an action potential will be generated by the combined effects of excitatory and inhibitory signals, both from multiple simultaneous inputs (spatial summation), and from repeated inputs ...
EPSPs, like IPSPs, are graded (i.e. they have an additive effect). When multiple EPSPs occur on a single patch of postsynaptic membrane, their combined effect is the sum of the individual EPSPs. Larger EPSPs result in greater membrane depolarization and thus increase the likelihood that the postsynaptic cell reaches the threshold for firing an ...
These electrical signals may be excitatory or inhibitory, and, if the total of excitatory influences exceeds that of the inhibitory influences, the neuron will generate a new action potential at its axon hillock, thus transmitting the information to yet another cell. [1] This phenomenon is known as an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP).
Shunting inhibition is theorized to be a type of gain control mechanism, regulating the responses of neurons. [5] [6] Simple inhibition such as hyperpolarization has a subtractive effect on the depolarization caused by concurrent excitation, whereas shunting inhibition can in some cases account for a divisive effect.
EPSPs are caused by the influx of Na + or Ca 2+ from the extracellular space into the neuron or muscle cell. When the presynaptic neuron has an action potential, Ca 2+ enters the axon terminal via voltage-dependent calcium channels and causes exocytosis of synaptic vesicles , causing neurotransmitter to be released.