Buspirone: chemistry, pharmacology, and behavior.
Recent neurochemical and behavioral observations with the nonbenzodiazepine anxiolytic buspirone raise several issues of importance to neuroscientists. These include: (1) the role of a GABA-benzodiazepine receptor-chloride ionophore complex in the actions of buspirone and other anxiolytics; (2) the involvement of dopaminergic pathways in mediating anxiety and/or anxiolytic actions; and (3) the existence of a common pre- or postreceptor "effector system" for buspirone and other antianxiety agents. These issues are critically discussed in light of recent findings.
D000818:Animals; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002065:Buspirone; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002621:Chemistry; D002712:Chlorides / Q000378:metabolism; D007476:Ionophores / Q000378:metabolism; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D002712:Chlorides; D007476:Ionophores; D011743:Pyrimidines; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A; D002065:Buspirone