Interaction of benzodiazepine receptor agonists and inverse agonists with the GABA benzodiazepine receptor complex.

The effects of the benzodiazepine receptor agonists, antagonists and inverse agonists on the in vitro binding of several ligands which label different recognition sites of the GABA benzodiazepine receptor complex are summarized. Also, results with a novel biochemical in vitro functional model of the GABA benzodiazepine receptor complex are presented. They are compatible with the concept that drugs which act on benzodiazepine receptors can lead to a bidirectional modulation of the gain of GABAergic neurotransmission.