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A postsynaptic potential is considered inhibitory when the resulting change in membrane voltage makes it more difficult for the cell to fire an action potential, lowering the firing rate of the neuron. They are the opposite of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs), which result from the flow of ions like glutamate into the cell.

Ionic basis of IPSPEdit

At a typical inhibitory synapse the postsynaptic neural membrane permeability increases for positive potassium (K+) ions and/or negative chloride (Cl-) ions but not sodium (Na+) ions. This generally causes an influx of Cl- ions and/or efflux of K+ ions, thereby bringing the membrane potential closer to the equilibrium potential of these ions.


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