Structure-activity relationship of etomidate derivatives at the GABAA receptor: Comparison with binding to 11β-hydroxylase

Two modifications of metomidate [(R)-1] without influence on inhibition of [131I]4-I-(R)-1 binding to 11β-hydroxylase reduced inhibitory potency at the GABAA receptor: substitution of the phenyl ring with HOCH2- and rigid attachment of the phenyl residue to the chiral centre.