Diazepam effects of peritoneal macrophage activity and corticosterone serum levels in Balb/C mice

In the present experiment we investigate the effects of diazepam on macrophage activity and serum corticosterone levels in mice. Adult mice were treated with diazepam (1.5 mg/kg/day - group E) or with control solution (group C1) for 7 days; some animals were only handled, receiving no treatment (group C2). Oral onco-BCG was used for peritoneal macrophage activation. Diazepam treatment: 1-decreased macrophage spreading and phagocytosis; 2-decreased the concentrations of H2O2 spontaneously but not phorbol myristate-acetate-induced release. In relation to mice of group C1, diazepam treatment increased the serum levels of corticosterone. No differences were detected between data of groups C1 and C2 both for macrophage activity and serum corticosterone levels. The present data were explained on the basis of a synergistically action for diazepam through peripheral type binding sites (PBR) present in both adrenals and macrophages, stimulating adrenal glucocorticoid production and altering the macrophage cytokine network.