Attenuation of the Stimulant Response to Ethanol is Associated with Enhanced Ataxia for a GABA_A, but not a GABA_B, Receptor Agonist

Abstract

These results suggest that pharmacological agents that increase extracellular concentrations of GABA and GABA(A) receptor activity may attenuate the stimulant effects of ethanol by accentuating its intoxicating and sedative properties. However, selective activation of the GABA(B) receptor appears to produce a specific attenuation of ethanol-induced stimulation, suggesting that GABA(B) receptor agonists may hold greater promise as potential pharmacotherapies for alcohol use disorders.