A selective GABAA-?1 (?1 GABAC) receptor antagonist (Kbs = 2 and 16 μM for GABAA-?1 over GABAA-?2, respectively); blocks the inhibitory effect of 3-APMPA on EPSCs in rat hippocampal slices (EC50 = 490 μM); increases light sensitivity and the maximal response of rat retinal ganglion cells without altering their dynamic range (100 μM); increases waking from 45 to 62% compared to vehicle control and decreases slow-wave and REM by 11 and 5.4%, respectively, in rats (50 μg, i.c.v.)