The Sound of Evolution
Midazolam
Mechanism of action:
Midazolam is a 1,4-benzodiazepine derivative. Midazolam binds to the benzodiazepine binding site of the GABA_A receptor and enhances the effect of GABA on this receptor. This increases the frequency of chloride channel opening, allowing large amounts of chloride ions to enter neurons, causing hyperpolarization and making neurons less likely to fire.
Reference(s):
1. Skerritt JH et al. (1983). Enhancement of GABA binding by benzodiazepines and related anxiolytics. Eur J Pharmacol.
2. Isojarvi JI et al. (1998). Benzodiazepines in the treatment of epilepsy in people with intellectual disability. J Intellect Disabil Res.
3. Garratt JC et al. (1988). Can benzodiazepines be classified by characterising their anticonvulsant tolerance-inducing potential? Eur J Pharmacol.