Etomidate

Etomidate activates GABA-A receptors, displaying neuromodulatory, anesthetic, and amnestic activities. Etomidate prevents neurotransmitter release in neurons by inhibiting presynaptic excitatory synaptic transmission in a SNARE-dependent manner. Etomidate also attenuates acetylcholine-induced relaxation in aortic endothelial tissue, but does not display significant cardiovascular side effects when used clinically. In animal models, etomidate impairs memory performance in several tasks.