Abstract

1. The effect of different stressful stimuli on the function of the GABA A-ionophore receptor complex was evaluated by measuring the binding of 35S-TBPS to the chloride channel associated recognition sites. 2. Foot-shock stress enhanced 35S-TBPS binding in membrane preparation from rat cerebral cortex. The effect of foot-shock on 35S-TBPS binding was mimicked by the anxiogenic and proconvulsant β-carboline FG 7142 and antagonized by anxiolytic benzodiazepines and by the novel anxiolytic and anticonvulsant β-carboline, abecarnil. 3. A brief exposure of rats to CO 2 inhalation produced, like foot-shock and FG 7142, a marked increase of 35S-TBPS binding in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus. The effect of CO 2 inhalation was maximal 10 min after treatment and return to control value in 2 hours. Previous administration of anxiolytic drugs (alprazolam and abecarnil) completely prevented the CO 2 inhalation-induced increase of 35S-TBPS binding. 4. All together these data strongly suggest that carbon dioxide inhalation, like stress and anxiogenic drugs, decreases the function of the GABA A receptor complex.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.