GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulator: Difference between revisions

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'''GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulator'''
= GABAA Receptor Positive Allosteric Modulator =


The '''GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulator''' is a type of [[pharmacological]] agent that enhances the activity of the [[GABAA receptor]], a type of [[protein]] that responds to the neurotransmitter [[gamma-aminobutyric acid]] (GABA). These modulators do not bind to the same part of the receptor as GABA itself, but instead bind to distinct sites on the protein.  
[[File:Gamma-Aminobuttersäure_-_gamma-aminobutyric_acid.svg|thumb|right|200px|Structure of [[gamma-aminobutyric acid]] (GABA)]]
 
'''GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators''' are a class of drugs that enhance the activity of the [[GABAA receptor]], a type of [[ligand-gated ion channel]] in the [[central nervous system]]. These modulators do not activate the receptor directly but increase the receptor's response to the neurotransmitter [[gamma-aminobutyric acid]] (GABA).


== Mechanism of Action ==
== Mechanism of Action ==


GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators increase the effect of GABA at the GABAA receptor by increasing the frequency of [[chloride]] channel opening events, which leads to an increase in the flow of chloride ions into the neuron. This results in a hyperpolarization of the neuron and a decrease in neuronal excitability.  
[[File:GABAA-receptor-protein-example-en.svg|thumb|left|200px|Structure of a GABAA receptor]]
 
GABAA receptors are pentameric complexes composed of various subunits, typically including alpha (α), beta (β), and gamma (γ) subunits. Positive allosteric modulators bind to specific sites on the receptor, distinct from the GABA binding site, and enhance the receptor's response to GABA. This results in increased [[chloride ion]] conductance through the receptor channel, leading to hyperpolarization of the neuron and a decrease in neuronal excitability.
 
== Types of Positive Allosteric Modulators ==
 
=== Benzodiazepines ===
 
[[File:Synthesis_and_discovery_of_chlordiazepoxide.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Synthesis and discovery of [[chlordiazepoxide]], the first benzodiazepine]]
 
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators. They bind to the benzodiazepine site on the GABAA receptor and enhance the effect of GABA. Common benzodiazepines include [[diazepam]], [[lorazepam]], and [[alprazolam]].
 
=== Barbiturates ===
 
[[File:Original_synthesis_of_Barbituric_acid.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Original synthesis of [[barbituric acid]]]]
[[File:Current_synthesis_of_barbituric_acid.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Current synthesis of barbituric acid]]
 
Barbiturates are another class of positive allosteric modulators that act on the GABAA receptor. They have a broader range of effects compared to benzodiazepines and can directly activate the receptor at high concentrations. Examples include [[phenobarbital]] and [[thiopental]].
 
=== Neurosteroids ===
 
Neurosteroids such as [[allopregnanolone]] and [[tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone]] (THDOC) are endogenous modulators of the GABAA receptor. They bind to distinct sites on the receptor and modulate its activity.
 
== Clinical Uses ==


== Therapeutic Use ==
GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators are used in the treatment of various conditions, including:


GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators have a wide range of therapeutic uses. They are used in the treatment of conditions such as [[anxiety disorders]], [[insomnia]], and [[epilepsy]]. Some of the most commonly used drugs in this class include [[benzodiazepines]], [[barbiturates]], and [[alcohol]].
* [[Anxiety disorders]]
* [[Insomnia]]
* [[Seizure disorders]]
* [[Muscle spasms]]
* [[Alcohol withdrawal syndrome]]


== Side Effects ==
== Side Effects ==


While GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators can be effective in treating a variety of conditions, they also have potential side effects. These can include drowsiness, confusion, and dependency. Long-term use can lead to tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.
Common side effects of these modulators include [[drowsiness]], [[dizziness]], and [[cognitive impairment]]. Long-term use can lead to [[tolerance]] and [[dependence]].


== Research ==
== Related Pages ==


Research into GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators is ongoing, with scientists seeking to develop new drugs that can modulate the GABAA receptor with fewer side effects and less potential for dependency.
* [[GABAA receptor]]
* [[Gamma-aminobutyric acid]]
* [[Benzodiazepine]]
* [[Barbiturate]]
* [[Neurosteroid]]


[[Category:Pharmacology]]
[[Category:Pharmacology]]
[[Category:Neuroscience]]
[[Category:Neuropharmacology]]
[[Category:Psychopharmacology]]
[[Category:GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators]]
{{pharmacology-stub}}
{{neuroscience-stub}}
{{psychopharmacology-stub}}

Latest revision as of 14:23, 21 February 2025

GABAA Receptor Positive Allosteric Modulator[edit]

Structure of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators are a class of drugs that enhance the activity of the GABAA receptor, a type of ligand-gated ion channel in the central nervous system. These modulators do not activate the receptor directly but increase the receptor's response to the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Mechanism of Action[edit]

Structure of a GABAA receptor

GABAA receptors are pentameric complexes composed of various subunits, typically including alpha (α), beta (β), and gamma (γ) subunits. Positive allosteric modulators bind to specific sites on the receptor, distinct from the GABA binding site, and enhance the receptor's response to GABA. This results in increased chloride ion conductance through the receptor channel, leading to hyperpolarization of the neuron and a decrease in neuronal excitability.

Types of Positive Allosteric Modulators[edit]

Benzodiazepines[edit]

Synthesis and discovery of chlordiazepoxide, the first benzodiazepine

Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators. They bind to the benzodiazepine site on the GABAA receptor and enhance the effect of GABA. Common benzodiazepines include diazepam, lorazepam, and alprazolam.

Barbiturates[edit]

Original synthesis of barbituric acid
Current synthesis of barbituric acid

Barbiturates are another class of positive allosteric modulators that act on the GABAA receptor. They have a broader range of effects compared to benzodiazepines and can directly activate the receptor at high concentrations. Examples include phenobarbital and thiopental.

Neurosteroids[edit]

Neurosteroids such as allopregnanolone and tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone (THDOC) are endogenous modulators of the GABAA receptor. They bind to distinct sites on the receptor and modulate its activity.

Clinical Uses[edit]

GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators are used in the treatment of various conditions, including:

Side Effects[edit]

Common side effects of these modulators include drowsiness, dizziness, and cognitive impairment. Long-term use can lead to tolerance and dependence.

Related Pages[edit]