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Naturally occurring benzodiazepines in human milk
1Instituto de Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, (UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|March 29, 1991
Summary
Benzodiazepine-like molecules were found in the blood and milk of non-users. These compounds, including diazepam, may originate from diet or internal body processes, but their source remains unknown.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed psychoactive drugs.
- Endogenous or exogenous non-benzodiazepine molecules with similar structures may exist in humans.
- Previous research has not conclusively identified such molecules in human biological fluids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect and quantify benzodiazepine-like molecules in the plasma and milk of non-users.
- To identify specific benzodiazepine compounds present in human milk.
- To explore potential sources of these endogenous or exogenous molecules.
Main Methods:
- Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used to detect and quantify benzodiazepine-like molecules.
- Plasma samples from 9 men and 12 women, and milk samples from 12 women were analyzed.
- Further analysis, including identification techniques, was performed on milk samples.
Main Results:
- Benzodiazepine-like molecules were detected in the plasma of all male and female subjects.
- Concentrations were measured in ng/mL as diazepam equivalents: 2.54 +/- 0.74 in male plasma, 2.20 +/- 0.35 in female plasma, and 1.91 +/- 0.54 in milk.
- Diazepam, both free and protein-bound, and at least three other benzodiazepine-like molecules were identified in milk.
Conclusions:
- Benzodiazepine-like molecules are present in human plasma and milk, even in non-users.
- Diazepam is one such identified molecule in human milk.
- The origin of these molecules, whether dietary or endogenous, requires further investigation.