Endozepine

Endozepines are endogenous compounds that bind to the benzodiazepine binding site on the GABAA receptor complex. That is to say, endozepines are the natural ligands of the benzodiazepine receptor. Endozepines may have sedative effects similar to benzodiazepine medications such as diazepam, or they may have opposite effects, depending on whether they are agonists, antagonists, or inverse agonists.

Endozepines have been linked to hepatic encephalopathy and have controversially been linked to some cases of recurrent stupor. Initially, the key diagnostic test is stupor which is sensitive to the benzodiazepine receptor antagonist flumazenil in the absences of exogenous benzodiazepines.

Potential candidates for these compounds are:
 * Oleamide
 * Nonpeptidic endozepines such as inosine
 * The protein diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI)