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Etomidate


Mechanism of action:

Etomidate is a positive allosteric modulator of the GABA_A receptor. It enhances the action of GABA at its receptor, increases the probability of Cl⁻ channel opening, causes hyperpolarization of the neuronal membrane potential, and reduces neuronal excitability.

Reference(s):

1. Martin LJ et al. (2009). Etomidate targets alpha5 gamma-aminobutyric acid subtype A receptors to regulate synaptic plasticity and memory blockade. Anesthesiology. 


2. Desai R et al. (2009). Gamma-amino butyric acid type A receptor mutations at beta2N265 alter etomidate efficacy while preserving basal and agonist-dependent activity. Anesthesiology.

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