Functional interaction between benzodiazepine and GABA recognition sites in aged rats

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to explore whether there may be age-related changes in benzodiazepine binding and in the functional interaction between GABA and benzodiazepine recognition sites. Data indicate an increase in benzodiazepine binding sites with age. Moreover the functional interactions between GABA and benzodiazepine receptor sites are differentially affected by aging. GABA is less active in enhancing benzodiazepine binding in the older animals because of the loss of GABA receptors, and Diazepam may be more active in enhancing GABA receptor binding in the aged animals because there are more benzodiazepine receptors in this group. An understanding of the relevance of the apparent alteration in coupling between GABA and benzodiazepine receptors must permit a better definition of the behavioral manifestation of their biochemical phenomenon.