Modulation of GABAergic Synaptic Currents and Current Responses by α-Thujone and Dihydroumbellulone

α-Thujone (1a), a constituent of wormwood, has been suspected to cause adverse psychoactive reactions in addicted drinkers of absinthe. While the content of 1a in absinthe is too low for such effects, at higher doses it can indeed induce seizures and inhibit GABA(A) receptors (GABA(A)Rs). The effect of 1a on GABAergic synaptic currents and the mechanisms by which it modulates GABA(A)Rs remain unknown. To address these issues, cultured...