The infographic shows three pairs of sending and receiving neuron ends. A lightning bolt pointing downward in each of the sending neurons is labeled Action potential. Particles are shown in the space between the neurons, coded as GABA for dots, Alcohol for squares, and Barbiturates for triangles. The receiving neuron in each graphic shows receptors labeled GABA receptor that penetrate the wall of the neuron.
In the first pair of neurons, labeled Normal GABA Activity several GABA particles are shown exiting the sending neuron, floating in the space between neurons, and bound to the GABA receptors on the receiving neuron. The caption reads, GABA activation, which calms nervous system activity, is essential for proper functioning of the central nervous system. Without GABA, nerve cells fire too frequently.
In the second pair of neurons, labeled Alcohol both GABA and alcohol particles are shown floating between the neurons and binding to the receptors on the receiving neuron. The caption reads, Alcohol activates the same receptors, increasing GABA’s activity.
In the third pair of neurons, labeled Alcohol & Barbiturate, GABA, alcohol, and barbiturate particles are shown floating in the space between the neurons and binding to the receptors on the receiving neuron. The caption reads, Barbiturates bind to and activate GABA receptors too, creating even more GABA-related inhibition.
At the lower part of the infographic are three graphics, showing illustrations of a brain with dotted arrows extending to drawings of the lungs and the heart. In the first graphic showing Normal GABA Activity, an arrow labeled Excitatory positive, and another arrow labeled negative Inhibitory are of the same size and point to the brain. The caption reads, when systems are functioning normally, GABA’s inhibitory signals perfectly balance excitatory signals in the central nervous system, CNS. This results in regular breathing and heart rate.
In the second graphic showing Alcohol Activity, the arrow labeled Excitatory positive is much smaller than the arrow labeled negative Inhibitory. The sizes of the lungs and heart graphics are smaller than in the previous graphic. The caption reads, when alcohol increases GABA’s inhibitory signals, excitatory and inhibitory signals in the CNS are out of balance. Along with increased relaxation, heart and breathing rates decrease. Increasing levels of alcohol could eventually lead to stupor and coma.
In the third graphic showing Alcohol & Barbiturate Activity, the arrow labeled Excitatory positive very small compared to the size of the arrow labeled negative Inhibitory. The sizes of the lungs and heart graphics are smaller than in the second graphic. The caption reads, Together, alcohol and barbiturates further unbalance excitatory and inhibitory signals, suppressing heart rate and the impulse to breathe.