Pyruvate dehydrogenase interactions with peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors

Although peripheral-type benzodiazepine recognition sites have been demonstrated in the brain of various species, the precise identity and function of the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor have not been established yet. In light of the recent demonstration of the mitochondrial localization of this receptor and its potential role in intermediary metabolism, we investigated the relationship between the benzodiazepines and the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), a component of the mitochondrial membrane. The results obtained in the present study demonstrate a specific interaction between PDH and the ligands for the peripheral-type type benzodiazepine receptor, which might account for their effects on cell growth and differentiation.