Inhibemus

Inhibemus is a neologism used in some scientific discussions to label a putative class of inhibitory mechanisms that regulate activity in complex biological networks. The term is synthetic, combining "inhibit" with a Latin-sounding suffix, and is not tied to a single molecule or process.

Conceptually, Inhibemus refers to mechanisms that produce both immediate suppression of activity and longer-term adjustments of excitability. In neural circuits, this can involve fast synaptic inhibition via ligand-gated receptors (e.g., GABAergic signaling) and slower, metabotropic pathways that modulate ion channel function, gene expression, or synaptic strength. In computational models, Inhibemus describes inhibitors that lower network gain and raise firing thresholds, shaping periodicity and stability.

Applications and scope: In pharmacology and neuroengineering, the term is used to discuss strategies to counteract hyperexcitability, such as seizures or chronic pain, by combining rapid inhibition with longer-term plasticity changes. It is also used in modeling to study how multiple inhibitory processes interact to regulate network dynamics.

Status and reception: Inhibemus remains a niche or theoretical label and is not universally adopted. Some scholars prefer conventional terms like inhibition, suppressors, or negative feedback. As with any neologism, its utility depends on clear definitions and consistent usage. See also: Inhibition (neuroscience); GABA; neural excitability; synaptic plasticity.