spatial memory deficits in animals (Takiguchi et al. 2006) and humans (Simpson and Rush 2002) implicating γ2-GABAA receptors in spatial memory impairment. The development of more subtype specific/selective compounds will aid in further elucidating the role of specific GABAA receptor subtypes in ethanol action. Newer, more selective compounds such as L-838,417 (which has selectivity for α2-/α3-/α5-GABAA receptors) will be particularly useful in identifying the role of specific receptor subtypes (see Atack 2003 for review).
