CHEB

CHEB, also known as BRN 0250312 is a convulsant barbiturate. Its mechanism of action is not fully understood.

Pharmacodynamics

CHEB has uncommon action compared to other barbiturates. While other barbiturates such as Barbital are usually anticonvulsants, CHEB is a convulsant.
CHEB's convulsant action is not fully understood. There may be multiple mechanisms involved in its properties;
In rats, CHEB stimulates the release of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter.
In low doses, CHEB can block the action of glycine, thus operating in a strychnine similar way.
Another study has shown that CHEB could increase the release of acetylcholine. This result was not observed with some other convulsants, suggesting that this property is unique.
Paradoxically, CHEB is able to enhance the binding of GABA, this is a strange property, as compounds that enhance GABA binding usually have anticonvulsant action, such as diazepam.