Overstimulation of the inhibitory nervous system plays a role in the pathogenesis of neuromuscular and neurological diseases: a novel hypothesis [version 2; referees: 2 approved]

• Main Author: Bert Tuk
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: F1000 Research Ltd 2016-08-01
• Series: F1000Research
• Subjects: Motor Systems; Neurobiology of Disease & Regeneration; Neuromuscular Diseases
• Online Access: http://f1000research.com/articles/5-1435/v2

Based upon a thorough review of published clinical observations regarding the inhibitory system, I hypothesize that this system may play a key role in the pathogenesis of a variety of neuromuscular and neurological diseases. Specifically, excitatory overstimulation, which is commonly reported in neuromuscular and neurological diseases, may be a homeostatic response to inhibitory overstimulation. Involvement of the inhibitory system in disease pathogenesis is highly relevant, given that most approaches currently being developed for treating neuromuscular and neurological diseases focus on reducing excitatory activity rather than reducing inhibitory activity.