MeSH definition : Substances that do not act as agonists or antagonists but do affect the GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC
ACID receptor-ionophore complex. GABA-A receptors (RECEPTORS, GABA-A) appear to have
at least three allosteric sites at which modulators act: a site at which BENZODIAZEPINES
act by increasing the opening frequency of GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID-activated chloride
channels; a site at which BARBITURATES act to prolong the duration of channel opening;
and a site at which some steroids may act. GENERAL ANESTHETICS probably act at least
partly by potentiating GABAergic responses, but they are not included here.;
Substances that do not act as agonists or antagonists but do affect the GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC
ACID receptor-ionophore complex. GABA-A receptors (RECEPTORS, GABA-A) appear to have
at least three allosteric sites at which modulators act: a site at which BENZODIAZEPINES
act by increasing the opening frequency of GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID-activated chloride
channels; a site at which BARBITURATES act to prolong the duration of channel opening;
and a site at which some steroids may act. GENERAL ANESTHETICS probably act at least
partly by potentiating GABAergic responses, but they are not included here.