Cholinergic hyperexcitation

Let me emphasize that these findings clearly demonstrate that the brain can generate its own information, independent of any external inputs, simply by changing the excitability of certain of its component neurons. In this case, the pontine neurons that become hyperexcitable almost certainly include the cholinergic elements of the PPT, and there is abundant evidence indicating that the PGO waves can be experimentally induced... 

Benzodiazepines, by facilitating GABAergic actions, exert their anxiety-reducing effects by depressing the hyperactivity of neuronal circuits in the limbic system. In addition, they may inhibit the hyperexcitability of hippocampal cholinergic and serotoninergic neurons (see Figure 65.5). 

These, via enhancing GABAa receptors, have an inhibitory effect on most brain areas, including on the hyperexcitability of the noradrenergic, serotonergic, and cholinergic systems. 

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