title: Commentary on the mode of action of benzodiazepines.
abstract: Evidence is presented showing that the benzodiazepines produce their variety of pharmacological effects by activating GABA A receptors in the mammalian brain. Different classes of benzodiazepine receptor ligands have been developed which can cause or alleviate anxiety according to the nature of their interaction with the GABA A receptor. There is now evidence that natural ligands also exist in the brain which can modulate GABA A receptor function. The changes in the responsiveness of the GABA A receptor to chronic benzodiazepine treatment is discussed with reference to the phenomenon of tolerance dependence and withdrawal.
authors.affiliation: Pharmacology Department, University College, Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: B E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Leonard
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001143:Arousal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A; D001569:Benzodiazepines