Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines
Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are classes of psychoactive drugs classified as depressants. They share in common their ability to serve as agonists of the gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter system. When these drugs bind to their specific receptor sites on the GABA-gated chloride () channel, they open the chloride channel. This allows negatively-charged chloride ions () to enter the neuron's cell body, changing its charge in a negative direction and pushing the neuron away from firing. Because of this quieting effect on the brain, these types of drugs are often prescribed to treat both anxiety and insomnia.
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A patient is prescribed a medication to manage severe anxiety and insomnia. The medication is identified as a benzodiazepine, which works by quieting brain activity. Based on this information, which category of psychoactive drugs does this medication fall into?
Ethanol (Alcohol)
Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines
Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines
A specific receptor complex on a neuron's membrane has a primary binding site for a neurotransmitter that, when bound, opens a channel allowing negative ions to flow into the cell. This complex also has a separate, distinct binding site. A new drug is developed that binds only to this separate site. When this drug is bound, the channel opens more easily and for a longer duration in the presence of the primary neurotransmitter. What is the most likely overall effect of this new drug on the neuron
A new experimental drug is found to bind to a receptor complex on a neuron's membrane. This binding action opens an integrated channel, allowing a significant influx of negatively charged chloride ions (Cl-) into the cell. Based on this specific mechanism, what is the most likely effect of this drug on the neuron's activity?
Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines