The names omega 1-, omega 2-, and omega 3-receptor subtypes have recently been proposed to replace the nomenclature of BZ1, BZ2 and BZp receptors in order to avoid a nomenclature exclusively linked to the benzodiazepine (BZ) structure or to a regional localization. The multiplicity of pharmacological actions of currently available anxiolytics may be due to their lack of selectivity for omega-receptor subtypes. The idea that a receptor-subtype selective drug will offer a more specific therapeutic profile is widely accepted. In the field of preferential anxiolytic or hypnotic drugs, imidazopyridines represent a new chemical and therapeutic class possessing selectivity for omega-receptor subtypes. Of these, alpidem (6-chloro-2-(4-chloro-phenyl)-N,N-dipropylimid-azo[1,2-a] pyridine-3-acetamide) behaves preferentially as an anxiolytic drug in both animal models and man. Receptor-binding studies using alpidem either as a displacer or as a radioligand indicate that the compound has a high affinity for omega 1- and for omega 3- but not for omega 2-receptors. In the human brain, the binding of [3H]-alpidem to omega 1- and omega 3-receptors occurs with a Kd of 1.67 nM and 0.33 nM respectively. The binding of [3H]-alpidem to omega 1-receptors in the rat cerebral cortex with a Kd of 1.5 nM is enhanced by GABA, and in contrast to anxiolytics of the benzodiazepine type, is unaffected by chloride ions and pentobarbital. In conclusion, the affinity of alpidem for the omega 1-receptor is allosterically influenced by the activation of the GABAA receptor but not by other components of the same receptor complex.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)