L-838417 is a GABAA receptor subtype-selective benzodiazepine site-selective ligand and GABAA receptor-positive modulator.L-838417 is a selective partial agonist of the α2, α3, and α5 subtypes and an antagonist of the α1 subtype and is used in the study of anxiety disorders.

α3β3γ2:1.67 nM (Ki), α2β3γ2:0.67 nM (Ki), α6β3γ2:2183 nM (Ki), α1β3γ2:0.79 nM (Ki), α5β3γ2:2.25 nM (Ki), α4β3γ2:267 nM (Ki)

In unfamiliar environments, adult rats: at a dose of 1.0 mg/kg L-838417, social avoidance shifted to social preference and increased social probing. Adolescent rats: at 2.0 mg/kg L-838417 dose, elimination of social avoidance but no increase in social probing. [2]
In familiar environments (after repeated restraint stress), reversal of stress-induced anxiety effects, regardless of age, at 0.5 mg/kg L-838417 dose. ≥1.0 mg/kg L-838417 dose, reduced social probing, possibly related to inhibition of motor function. [2]