MIF-1 and Tyr-MIF-1 augment GABA-stimulated benzodiazepine receptor binding

Abstract

Behavioral evidence in laboratory animals and human beings indicates possible links between the endogenous opiate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-benzodiazepine receptor systems, especially with regard to antagonistic properties. To assess possible interactions between endogenous opiate antagonists and benzodiazepine receptor binding, we evaluated the effects of the peptides MIF-1 and Tyr-MIF-1 on benzodiazepine receptor binding in mouse brain membranes. Neither peptide affected receptor binding in cortex over a broad dose range, but both peptides significantly augmented GABA-stimulated benzodiazepine receptor binding at GABA concentrations of 10 −8 and 10 −7 M. Rosenthal-Scatchard analysis indicated that the increase in binding was largely due to increased apparent affinity. Both peptides augmented GABA-enhanced binding at low doses (MIF-1 10 −11 M, Tyr-MIF-1 10 −13 M) with decreased effects at higher doses. In cerebellum and brainstem, MIF-1 tended to enhance GABA-stimulated binding but Tyr-MIF-1 was inactive. These results indicate benzodiazepine-opiate and benzodiazepine-peptide interactions.