Propofol increases agonist efficacy at the GABA(A) receptor

Using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique, we have determined that propofo l, but not midazolam, increases the efficacy of piperidine-4-sulphonic acid (P4S), a partial agonist at alpha(1)beta(1)gamma(2s) GABA(A) receptors exp ressed in HEK 293 cells. These findings are consistent with the idea that p ropofol facilitates receptor gating, while midazolam increases receptor occ upancy by the agonist. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.