Hey Sheila....
as we both know this whole topic is extremely complex and to present my thoughts, in a simplistic fashion, will not do justice to the whole subject. Here are a few of my thoughts but keep in mind that I'm still cognitively challenged due to WD and thus, what I found easier to comprehend prior to WD has now become more difficult as the result of WD.
I will present only a FEW thoughts but they hardly cover the topic.
First, I realize that there is a lot of recent discussion in papers and promotion on the theory that AD are capable of creating neurogenesis. I will have to debate that theory (not with you BTW but those who have been promoting that theory to the public) which I have elaborated on at the end of this post.
There are different theories as to what occurs during AD use and WD but I tend to believe that receptors are downregulated since, it follows some basic biological principles in that IF more serotonin (for example) is available between the synapses, then the receptor no longer has to actively participate in it's usual role. Consequently, it downregulates because there is an excess of serotonin lingering between the synapses.
So, this downregulation IMHO cannot produce more receptors but rather, there are fewer receptors acting in their natural state. Almost as if they atrophy from lack of use or purpose.
There is also the complicating factor of tolerance and kindling effects on receptors. These two events create a different situation and thus, pose additional complications. If I'm recalling correctly...... drug tolerance is a desensitized situation whereas kindling is an oversensitization. This oversensitized kindling state can cause more damage to the receptors and the WD effects from kindling are far more serious and far more intense than with "classic" WD syndromes.
Again, I wish to repeat that I'm presenting things in a very simplistic fashion and I wish to relay that I'm not challenging you but rather, just sharing a fraction of what I have come to understand via extensive research and BTW, I do not claim to be an expert nor fully informed. (lol)
This whole subject is extremely complex ..... mind boggling (lol) and one would have to engage in years upon years of academic study to completely understand all of the neurological/biological dynamics that play out, not only within the brain but throughout the entire body.
I do know that neurological changes are not just a matter of alterations in receptor numbers but also have to do with the types and activities of the receptors that may change as a result of exposure to AD and/or subsequent WD syndrome.
For example: over-stimulation and/or under-stimulation of a receptor can have profound effects on other receptors within the brain, entire CNS and body. BTW, I'm only presenting ONE complicating factor. There are many more but it would take forever to present them not to mention, a ton of time to gather and organize all the research papers I have on the subject.
Please keep in mind I'm presenting things in a very primitive and simplistic fashion. Again, this is a very complex but most fascinating subject.
One very basic biological principle is: when a receptor is exposed, for example, to an endogenous hormone our receptors tend to downregulate but if exposed to the exogenous hormone long enough, the remaining receptors can become desensitized and no longer respond in the same fashion to the same level of hormones. The receptors either downregulate and/or become desensitized. So, I find it hard to believe these theories that AD increase the number of receptors.
I think this is a newer theory and one that the pharma companies are promoting since, I'm increasingly seeing more and more reports making such claims. IMHO, it pretty much goes again basic biological principles but perhaps there's something I'm not remembering via the research I have done and/or I'm forgetting something that I had formally studied years ago.
I do know that my mind still can become confused (due to WD induced cognitive problems) about things that it used to be very clear about. (lol)
I still can't read a lot of research papers with ease. Rather, it feels like a mind-blowing endeavour. (lol)
With all that said, I do believe that all the other points you have listed are relevant in regard to the biological dynamics playing out during WD. I only question the first assumption which I realize isn't your assumptions but rather, you have have presented as well as supported by the papers, what is being presented to the public these day in way of AD being effective agents for neurogenesis. BTW, I'm not saying that you are promoting or aligning with this theory. I wish to make that clear.
With all that said, I just find it hard to believe the new receptors can be generated when the brain is swimming in a toxic chemical cesspool created by ADs. They cause destruction rather than construction.
Like I said, perhaps there is something I'm not understanding or my skepticism is extremely high or my cog functioning is too compromised ATM.
I know I'll be in better mental form 6 months from now and thus, more easily able to discuss such subject matter.
BTW, thanks for providing the info re: new cells and GABA. This confirms that we have both recalled things correctly. Good to know that my memory isn't completely wasted. (lol)
Samsara