Midazolam primarily acts as a GABA-A receptor agonist and increases which property of the chloride ion channel?

Midazolam primarily acts as a GABA-A receptor agonist and increases which property of the chloride ion channel?

• A. Increases the duration the chloride channel remains open
• B. Increases the frequency of chloride channel opening
• C. Directly activates GABA-B receptors
• D. Inhibits GABA uptake

Answer: (B)

Midazolam is a benzodiazepine that modulates the GABA-A receptor at the benzodiazepine binding site. It increases the probability that the chloride channel will open when GABA binds, boosting chloride influx and neuronal inhibition. This manifests as sedation and anxiolysis. It does not directly activate GABA-B receptors, nor does it inhibit GABA uptake, and unlike barbiturates, it does not increase the duration of channel opening.

Midazolam is a benzodiazepine that modulates the GABA-A receptor at the benzodiazepine binding site. It increases the probability that the chloride channel will open when GABA binds, boosting chloride influx and neuronal inhibition. This manifests as sedation and anxiolysis. It does not directly activate GABA-B receptors, nor does it inhibit GABA uptake, and unlike barbiturates, it does not increase the duration of channel opening.