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Cocaine augments peripheral benzodiazepine binding in humans
S F Chesley1, A D Schatzki, J DeUrrutia
1Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass.
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|October 1, 1990
Summary
Chronic cocaine use significantly increases peripheral benzodiazepine binding sites on platelets in humans. This finding suggests cocaine may alter central nervous system benzodiazepine effects, impacting drug interactions.
Area of Science:
- Neuropharmacology
- Substance Abuse Research
Background:
- Central benzodiazepine binding is altered by acute cocaine in animals.
- Peripheral benzodiazepine sites on platelets offer a potential biomarker for drug effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of chronic cocaine use on peripheral benzodiazepine binding sites.
- To compare binding site density in cocaine users, heavy ethanol users, and controls.
Main Methods:
- Platelet peripheral benzodiazepine binding assays were performed.
- Groups included cocaine users (N=8), ethanol users (N=4), and controls (N=7), matched for age and sex.
- Subjects denied recent benzodiazepine use, though biochemical confirmation was absent.
Main Results:
- Peripheral benzodiazepine binding affinity was comparable across all groups.
- Cocaine users exhibited a significantly higher number of peripheral benzodiazepine binding sites compared to controls and ethanol users.
Conclusions:
- Chronic cocaine consumption alters peripheral benzodiazepine binding in humans.
- These alterations may have implications for understanding cocaine's effects on central benzodiazepine systems.