[Uniform regulation of central and peripheral benzodiazepine binding sites by GABA receptor agonists in rats]

Central and peripheral benzodiazepine binding sites were studied in vitro after the administration of GABAA and GABAB agonists. Cerebral cortex and kidney homogenates were used in this study. Muscimol (1.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) pretreatment significantly increased the affinity of benzodiazepine binding sites not only in the cerebral cortex but also in the kidneys. Similar changes were obtained with (-) and (+) baclofen (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), with the only exception that (-) baclofen in addition to changes in the affinity caused a marked decrease in the number of binding sites in both structures studied. The mechanism of action of GABA agonists on peripheral benzodiazepine binding sites is discussed.