What role does glycine play in relation to strychnine?

Glycine functions as an important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, particularly within the spinal cord and brainstem. In the context of strychnine, glycine serves as a target for this compound, which acts as an antagonist to glycine receptors. When strychnine binds to these receptors, it prevents glycine from exerting its inhibitory effects, leading to increased neuronal excitability and the potential for spasms or convulsions.

The fundamental aspect of this interaction lies in the fact that glycine normally plays a crucial role in dampening excitatory signals in the nervous system through hyperpolarization of neurons. By blocking the action of glycine, strychnine disrupts the normal balance between excitation and inhibition, which can result in overstimulation of muscles and heightened reflex responses. Thus, strychnine’s antagonistic action specifically targets the inhibitory action of glycine, rather than enhancing or facilitating it, which is pivotal in understanding the neuropharmacological impact of strychnine.