Selective antagonist for GABAc receptors. Prepn: Y. Murata et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 6, 2073 (1996); R. Miledi et al., US 5627169 (1997 to Univ. California). Design and in vitro pharmacology: D. Ragozzino et al., Mol. Pharmacol. 50, 1024 (1996). Specificity vs human receptors and alternate synthesis: M. Chebib et al., Eur. J. Pharmacol. 357, 227 (1998). Use as antagonist: A. Rozzo et al., Neuroscience 90, 1085 (1999).