D J Nutt1, A L Malizia. 1. Psychopharmacology Unit, School of Medical Sciences, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK. david.j.nutt@bristol.ac.uk
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In the 40 years since the first benzodiazepine was brought into clinical use there has been a substantial growth in understanding the molecular basis of action of these drugs and the role of their receptors in disease states. AIMS: To present current knowledge about the role of the GABA(A)-benzodiazepine receptor in anxiety disorders, new insights into the molecular biology of the receptor complex and neuroimaging studies suggesting involvement of these receptors in disease states. METHOD: An overview of published literature, including some recent data. RESULTS: The molecular biology of this receptor is detailed. Molecular genetic studies suggesting involvement of the GABA(A)-benzodiazepine receptor in animal behaviour and learning are outlined; possible parallels with human psychopathology are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Current insights into the role of the GABA(A)-benzodiazepine receptor in the action of benzodiazepines and as a factor in disease states, in both animals and humans, may lead to new, more sophisticated interventions at this receptor complex and potentially significant therapeutic gains.
BACKGROUND: In the 40 years since the first benzodiazepine was brought into clinical use there has been a substantial growth in understanding the molecular basis of action of these drugs and the role of their receptors in disease states. AIMS: To present current knowledge about the role of the GABA(A)-benzodiazepine receptor in anxiety disorders, new insights into the molecular biology of the receptor complex and neuroimaging studies suggesting involvement of these receptors in disease states. METHOD: An overview of published literature, including some recent data. RESULTS: The molecular biology of this receptor is detailed. Molecular genetic studies suggesting involvement of the GABA(A)-benzodiazepine receptor in animal behaviour and learning are outlined; possible parallels with human psychopathology are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Current insights into the role of the GABA(A)-benzodiazepine receptor in the action of benzodiazepines and as a factor in disease states, in both animals and humans, may lead to new, more sophisticated interventions at this receptor complex and potentially significant therapeutic gains.
Authors: M Kessler; M Mamach; R Beutelmann; M Lukacevic; S Eilert; P Bascuñana; A Fasel; F M Bengel; J P Bankstahl; T L Ross; G M Klump; G Berding Journal: Mol Imaging Biol Date: 2020-04 Impact factor: 3.488
Authors: Amanda C Fortes; Antonia Amanda C Almeida; Francisco Jaime B Mendonça-Júnior; Rivelilson M Freitas; José Lamartine Soares-Sobrinho; Monica Felts de La Roca Soares Journal: Neurochem Res Date: 2013-01-19 Impact factor: 3.996