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Article: Glossary.
- Article from:
- Alcohol Research & Health
- Article date:
- December 22, 2008
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2008 U.S. Government Printing Office. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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[gamma]-Aminobutyric acid (GABA): A neurotransmitter that in the brain acts to reduce the activity of the signal-receiving neuron.
Action potential: A rapid change in cell membrane potential (the electrical potential difference across the cell membrane) followed by a return to the resting potential. An action potential is the basis of the signal-carrying ability of nerve cells.
Adrenal glands: Small structures located on top of the kidneys that produce numerous hormones (e.g., glucocorticoids, which are important factors in the stress response).
Affinity: A measure of how easily and tightly a substance binds to a receptor.
Agonist: An ...