What is the primary mechanism of action of barbiturates?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the primary mechanism of action of barbiturates, which relates to how these drugs affect neurotransmitter activity in the brain. To answer this, we will need to identify which of the given options correctly describes the action of barbiturates.
Answer
Barbiturates enhance GABA action on GABAA receptors, depressing the CNS.
Barbiturates primarily enhance the action of the neurotransmitter GABA, leading to central nervous system depression by facilitating GABA binding to GABAA receptors.
Answer for screen readers
Barbiturates primarily enhance the action of the neurotransmitter GABA, leading to central nervous system depression by facilitating GABA binding to GABAA receptors.
More Information
Barbiturates increase the duration of GABA channel opening, causing inhibitory effects in the brain and leading to sedative and hypnotic effects.
Tips
Common mistakes include confusing barbiturates with benzodiazepines. While both act on GABA receptors, they have different binding sites and effects.
Sources
- Barbiturate Mechanism - news-medical.net
- Barbiturates drug profile - European Union - euda.europa.eu
- Barbiturates - PubMed - pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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