In rat brain membranes, the 3 alpha-hydroxy pregnane steroids, pregnanolone, allopregnanolone, alphaxalone and 5 beta-alphaxalone potentiated 1 nM [3H]flunitrazepam binding at the GABAA receptor, with maximal potentiations of 140-150% of control. The potencies of the 5 alpha isomers were greater than the 5 beta and the presence of an 11-keto group conferred lower potency. The potentiation produced by these steroids was antagonised by the 3 beta-OH isomers epipregnanolone, isopregnanolone and betaxalone (60 microM). The dose-effect curves for pregnanolone and allopregnanolone were shifted to the right, with no reduction in the maximal potentiation. In contrast, the maximal effect of alphaxalone and 5 beta-alphaxalone was reduced with no change in EC50. Alphaxalone (1 microM) caused an increase in the binding of [3H]flunitrazepam in the presence of maximal concentrations of pregnanolone or allopregnanolone. These results suggest multiple sites of action for neurosteroids in the brain.