Lateral olfactory tract lesions reveal neuronal localization of benzodiazepine recognition sites

The effects of neuronal degeneration on benzodiazepine binding parameters were assessed following bilateral electrolytic lesions of rat brain lateral olfactory tracts. [3H]Flunitrazepam binding was measured in olfactory bulb homogenates 1, 7 and 14 days post-lesion. Specific [3H]flunitrazepam binding was significantly decreased two weeks after lesions. Diminution in binding was associated with a decreased population of sites (Bmax) rather than affinity alterations (KD). The time course for the loss of receptors is compatible with retrograde degeneration and suggests that specific benzodiazepine binding sites are in part located on mitral cell-bodies.