The Question is from neet-zoology neural-control-and-coordination , and it was created by the author T SAILAJA

Question

An experimental drug selectively inhibits the function of astrocytes. What direct consequence would MOST likely be observed in neuronal function?

T SAILAJA · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: C
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Astrocyte function in neuronal regulation
 **Related Topics**: Neurotransmission, extracellular ionic balance, blood-brain barrier, glial cells
 **Prerequisites**: Basic understanding of neuronal physiology and astrocyte roles.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  An experimental drug selectively inhibits astrocyte function.
  We need to determine the most likely direct consequence on neuronal function.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Understand the primary functions of astrocytes.
  Reasoning: Astrocytes play crucial roles in maintaining the brain's microenvironment, including regulating the extracellular ionic environment, neurotransmitter uptake and recycling, and blood flow.
 2. Consider the impact of inhibiting astrocyte function.
  Working: If astrocytes are inhibited, their ability to perform these functions will be impaired. This will directly affect neuronal function.
  Key Point:  The question asks for the *most likely direct* consequence.  Indirect effects (e.g., changes in long-term plasticity) are less relevant.
 3. Identify the most direct consequence from the given options.
  Result: Impaired regulation of the extracellular ionic environment is the most direct and significant consequence of astrocyte inhibition.  Ions like potassium ($K^+$) and calcium ($Ca^{2+}$) are crucial for neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. Astrocytes actively buffer these ions, preventing excessive accumulation or depletion in the extracellular space.
  Verification: The other options are less directly linked to the immediate role of astrocytes. Neurotransmitter synthesis is primarily a neuronal function, myelination is primarily an oligodendrocyte function, and action potential propagation is a neuronal process primarily influenced by ion channel activity.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Increased rate of neurotransmitter synthesis is unlikely; astrocytes primarily *regulate* neurotransmitter levels, not synthesize them directly.
B :x: Enhanced myelination of axons is a function of oligodendrocytes, not astrocytes.
C ✓: Impaired regulation of the extracellular ionic environment is a direct consequence of astrocyte inhibition, as they are crucial for maintaining ionic homeostasis in the neuronal environment.
D :x: Accelerated action potential propagation is unlikely; disruptions in ionic balance due to astrocyte inhibition would more likely *slow* or *destabilize* action potential propagation.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing astrocyte functions with those of other glial cells (e.g., oligodendrocytes, microglia): Focus on the specific roles of astrocytes in maintaining the neuronal microenvironment.
  2.Focusing on indirect or long-term consequences instead of the most direct impact: The question specifically asks for the most immediate consequence.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember the key roles of astrocytes:  ionic buffering, neurotransmitter uptake, blood-brain barrier support.
  2.Relate the options directly to these key functions to determine the most likely consequence of inhibition.

T SAILAJA · Answer

Increased rate of neurotransmitter synthesis

T SAILAJA · Answer

Enhanced myelination of axons

T SAILAJA · Answer

The correct Option is "Impaired regulation of the extracellular ionic environment"

T SAILAJA · Answer

Accelerated action potential propagation

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