The Question is from neet-zoology , and it was created by the author BALASOURY

Question

Which of the following drugs acts as a depressant by enhancing the inhibitory effects of GABA, but DOES NOT directly bind to the GABA receptor site like benzodiazepines?

BALASOURY · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION ✓ **Answer**: C ## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK **Primary Concept**: GABAergic neurotransmission and drug mechanisms **Related Topics**: Depressant drugs, neuropharmacology, GABA receptor subtypes **Prerequisites**: Understanding of neurotransmitters, receptors, and drug actions. ## SOLUTION PATHWAY **Given Information**: The question asks for a depressant drug that enhances GABA's inhibitory effects without directly binding to the GABA receptor site like benzodiazepines do. **Method & Steps**: 1. **Understanding GABAergic Inhibition**: GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It binds to GABA receptors, leading to hyperpolarization of neurons and reduced neuronal excitability. 2. **Mechanism of Benzodiazepines**: Benzodiazepines are allosteric modulators of the GABA_A receptor. They bind to a specific site on the receptor, increasing the frequency of chloride channel opening when GABA is bound, thus enhancing GABA's inhibitory effects. 3. **Identifying the Alternative Drug**: The question specifies a drug that *doesn't* directly bind to the GABA receptor like benzodiazepines. Alcohol fits this description. Alcohol enhances GABAergic inhibition through indirect mechanisms, such as increasing GABA release and affecting GABA receptor function, but it does not bind directly to the GABA receptor itself. 4. **Eliminating Other Options**: Barbiturates also enhance GABAergic inhibition, but they directly bind to the GABA_A receptor, similar to benzodiazepines. Cannabis acts primarily on the endocannabinoid system, not directly on the GABA system. **Result**: Alcohol (option C) is the correct answer. **Verification**: Alcohol's depressant effects are well-established, and its mechanism of action involves indirect modulation of GABAergic transmission, fulfilling the criteria specified in the question. ## OPTION ANALYSIS A :x: Barbiturates directly bind to the GABA receptor. B :x: Benzodiazepines directly bind to the GABA receptor. C ✓: Alcohol enhances GABAergic inhibition indirectly, without direct binding to the GABA receptor site. D :x: Cannabis does not primarily affect the GABA system. ## LEARNING AIDS **Common Mistakes**: Choosing barbiturates or benzodiazepines due to their well-known depressant effects and GABAergic influence, overlooking the specific requirement of *indirect* modulation. **Quick Tips**: Focus on the key phrase “DOES NOT directly bind to the GABA receptor site.” Remember that allosteric modulation (like benzodiazepines) is different from indirect modulation (like alcohol).

BALASOURY · Answer

Barbiturates

BALASOURY · Answer

Benzodiazepines

BALASOURY · Answer

The correct Option is "Alcohol"

BALASOURY · Answer

Cannabis

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