Distinct actions of alcohols, barbiturates and benzodiazepines on GABA-activated chloride channels.
Similarities and differences in the actions of alcohols, barbiturates and benzodiazepines on GABA-activated chloride channels are reviewed. This question has been approached using behavioral measures, the uptake of 36Cl- by isolated brain membranes and the function of GABA-activated chloride channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes using brain mRNA. Although drugs from all three classes augment GABA-dependent chloride conductances, there are a number of differences between these drugs. Studies of genetic differences in sensitivity to sedative drugs and development of tolerance and cross-tolerance between these drugs indicate that actions of ethanol are similar (but not identical) to those of benzodiazepines but are quite different from those of pentobarbital.
Denver VAMC, CO.
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Harris
D000438:Alcohols / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001463:Barbiturates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D002712:Chlorides / Q000378:metabolism*; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000187:drug effects*; D051379:Mice; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000438:Alcohols; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D001463:Barbiturates; D002712:Chlorides; D007473:Ion Channels; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid