MK-0343 (MRK-409) is a potent, α2/3 subtype selective, partial GABAA receptor agonist, shows greater agonist efficacy at the α3 over α1 subtypes.
MK-0343 readily penetrates the brain in rats and occupies the benzodiazepine site of GABA(A) receptors with an Occ(50) of 2.2 mg/kg p.o. and a corresponding plasma EC50 of 115 ng/mL.
MK-0343 produces anxiolytic-like activity in rodent and primate unconditioned and conditioned models of anxiety.
