THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKES OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR: GLUTAMATE AND GABA

Glutamate and GABA

Glutamate and Gama-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are two different neurotransmitters, which are mutually related, in terms of their functions in the brain. Glutamate is to the brain what throttle is to a car, while GABA is to the brain what the brake is to the car. Glutamate facilitates learning and memory, but in very high amounts, it can lead to agitation, impulsive behavior and even violence. But GABA is always their as its faithful companion to act as the brakes when the brain is about to speed excessively by facilitating the reduction of glutamate levels. Therefore, GABA, by implications tranquilizes the brain by reducing too much nerve activity.

There is no doubt that human behavior is molecular in origin.

Festus C. Anaba, B Med. Sci. Physiology