Question

Sedative-hypnotic agents bind to which receptors in the brain?

A. glutamate
B. GHB
C. serotonin
D. GABA

Answer 1

Sedative-hypnotic agents bind to GABA receptors in the brain, which increases the inhibitory effects on neural activity and results in a calming effect.

Step-by-step explanation:

Sedative-hypnotic agents bind to gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain. These substances, which include drugs such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines, enhance the inhibitory effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter with a quieting effect on neural activity. When these agents activate GABA receptors, they increase the entry of negatively-charged chloride ions into neurons, making them less likely to fire and, thereby, exerting a sedative and calming effect used to treat conditions such as anxiety and insomnia. The binding of sedative-hypnotics to GABA receptors stands in contrast to substances that interact with other neurotransmitter systems, like serotonin and glutamate, which are involved in different neural functions such as mood regulation and excitatory signaling, respectively.

Answer 2

Sedative-hypnotic agents, like barbiturates and benzodiazepines, bind to GABA receptors in the brain, serving as GABA agonists and having a quieting effect.

Step-by-step explanation:

Sedative-hypnotic agents primarily bind to the GABA receptors in the brain. These agents include substances such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines, which serve as GABA agonists. By promoting the activity of GABA receptors, these drugs have a quieting effect on the brain. This mechanism is why sedative-hypnotics can be used to treat conditions like anxiety and insomnia. The activation of GABA receptors facilitates the opening of the chloride channel, leading to a hyperpolarization of the neuron which moves it away from firing, resulting in the inhibition of brain activity.