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Kindling and withdrawal changes at the benzodiazepine receptor
H J Little1, D J Nutt, S C Taylor
1Department of Pharmacology, The Medical School, University Walk, Bristol.
Journal of Psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
|December 14, 2011
Summary
Benzodiazepine receptor agonists and inverse agonists have opposite effects. This study investigated if chronic exposure to these drugs leads to tolerance or an opposing change in receptor function.
Area of Science:
- Neuropharmacology
- Receptor theory
- Drug tolerance
Background:
- Benzodiazepine receptor agonists produce anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and sedative effects.
- Benzodiazepine receptor inverse agonists induce anxiety and convulsions.
- A benzodiazepine antagonist (Ro 15-1788) was previously shown to block the effects of both agonist and inverse agonist compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of chronic administration of benzodiazepine inverse agonists.
- To determine if tolerance develops to inverse agonists, similar to agonists.
- To explore potential opposing changes in receptor function following chronic drug exposure.
Main Methods:
- Chronic treatment with benzodiazepine inverse agonists.
- Chronic treatment with benzodiazepine agonists.
- Assessment of functional changes at the benzodiazepine receptor complex.
Main Results:
- The study aimed to observe whether tolerance develops to inverse agonists, analogous to benzodiazepine agonists.
- Investigated if an opposite functional change occurs after chronic inverse agonist treatment.
- Compared the effects of chronic inverse agonist and agonist treatment on receptor complex function.
Conclusions:
- The study explores the adaptive mechanisms of the benzodiazepine receptor complex.
- Findings will elucidate the long-term consequences of inverse agonist exposure.
- Contributes to understanding drug tolerance and receptor plasticity.
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