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Diphenylhydantoin: pre- and postnatal administration alters diazepam binding in developing rat cerebral cortex
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|April 4, 1980
Summary
Diphenylhydantoin enhances anticonvulsant effects by increasing diazepam binding in developing rats. However, prenatal exposure to diphenylhydantoin decreases this binding and may increase seizure susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Neuropharmacology
- Developmental Neuroscience
Background:
- Diphenylhydantoin is an anticonvulsant medication.
- GABA-A receptors are targets for benzodiazepines like diazepam.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between diphenylhydantoin's anticonvulsant effects and diazepam binding during rat development.
- To examine the impact of prenatal diphenylhydantoin exposure on diazepam binding and seizure susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- Rats were studied from fetal day 16 to maturation.
- Tritiated diazepam binding assays were performed.
- Effects of in utero diphenylhydantoin exposure were assessed.
Main Results:
- A positive correlation was found between diphenylhydantoin's anticonvulsant effects and increased tritiated diazepam binding during normal development.
- Prenatal diphenylhydantoin exposure led to decreased tritiated diazepam binding in young rats.
- Decreased binding correlated with increased seizure susceptibility.
Conclusions:
- Diphenylhydantoin influences diazepam binding during neurodevelopment.
- Prenatal diphenylhydantoin exposure may impair GABAergic neurotransmission, potentially leading to increased seizure risk.