Effect of benzodiazepine compounds on brain amine metabolism

In mice, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam and flurazepam reduced 5-HT synthesis and metabolism in the teldiencephalon following an i.v. injection of 3H-tryptophan. Only diazepam produced a significant effect in the brainstem. The steady state level of brain 5-HT or of tryptophan was not altered by any of the drugs. Chlordiazepoxide and diazepam, but not flurazepam, decreased the rate of norepinephrine loss from the brain following inhibition of synthesis with alpha-methyltyrosine.