Activation Of Benzodiazepine Receptors Research Articles

Remimazolam reduces sepsis-associated acute liver injury by activation of peripheral benzodiazepine receptors and p38 inhibition of macrophages

BackgroundRemimazolam is a novel ester-type benzodiazepine with ultrafast onset of sedation effect and fast recovery of consciousness. It has potential advantages in the sedation of sepsis-associated acute liver injury (SALI) patients. However, the effect and mechanism of remimazo lam on inflammation in the liver have not yet been elucidated. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of remimazolam on SALI both in vivo and in vitro. MethodsLipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus galactosamine treated rat model and LPS-challenged RAW264.7 cells model were constructed to simulate SALI. Next, the models were used to explore the efficacy of remimazolam treatment on SALI. Benzodiazepine receptor inhibitor, PK11195, was also employed. Hepatic injury was assessed by quantifying levels of transaminases, examining liver pathology, and calculating the number of inflammatory cells in the liver. Inflammatory response was evaluated by determining levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in blood, as well as p38 phosphorylation (p-p38) in the liver. ResultsSALIrat models showed significant liver damage as manifested by increased levels of transaminases, proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and p-38. Remimazolam treatment reduced the liver injury and pathological changes, suppressed pro-inflammatory reactions, and elevated p-p38. The protective effect of remimazolam on liver injury was significantly blocked by PK11195. In LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, it was found that treatment with remimazolam reduced the inflammatory response in LPS-treated cells in a time-dependent manner and decreased the level of p-p38. These results suggest that PK11195 can block remimazolam-induced inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine release and p-38 phosphorylation. ConclusionsThis study shows that remimazolam can attenuate inflammatory response in SALI, which may be associated with activation of peripheral benzodiazepine receptors and inhibition of p38 phosphorylation in macrophages.

Midazolam and Dexmedetomidine Affect Neuroglioma and Lung Carcinoma Cell Biology In Vitro and In Vivo.

WHAT THIS ARTICLE TELLS US THAT IS NEW: BACKGROUND:: Several factors within the perioperative period may influence postoperative metastatic spread. Dexmedetomidine and midazolam are widely used general anesthetics during surgery. The authors assessed their effects on human lung carcinoma (A549) and neuroglioma (H4) cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Cell proliferation and migration were measured after dexmedetomidine (0.001 to 10 nM) or midazolam (0.01 to 400 μM) treatment. Expression of cell cycle and apoptosis markers were assessed by immunofluorescence. Mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species were measured by JC-1 staining and flow cytometry. Antagonists atipamezole and flumazenil were used to study anesthetic mechanisms of action. Tumor burden after anesthetic treatment was investigated with a mouse xenograft model of lung carcinoma. Dexmedetomidine (1 nM) promoted cell proliferation (2.9-fold in A549 and 2-fold in H4 cells vs. vehicle, P < 0.0001; n = 6), migration (2.2-fold in A549 and 1.9-fold in H4 cells vs. vehicle, P < 0.0001; n = 6), and upregulated antiapoptotic proteins in vitro. In contrast, midazolam (400 μM) suppressed cancer cell migration (2.6-fold in A549 cells, P < 0.0001; n = 4), induced apoptosis via the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased reactive oxygen species expression in vitro-effects partly attributable to peripheral benzodiazepine receptor activation. Furthermore, midazolam significantly reduced tumor burden in mice (1.7-fold vs. control; P < 0.05; n = 6 per group). Midazolam possesses antitumorigenic properties partly mediated by the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, whereas dexmedetomidine promotes cancer cell survival through signaling via the α2-adrenoceptor in lung carcinoma and neuroglioma cells.

Exploring the Possible Mode of Anxiolytic Action of a Polyherbal Formulation in Animal Models of Anxiety

The polyherbal formulation, PH-1, containing fresh aqueous extracts of Valeriana and, Boswellia spp. as major constituents and, Plumbago, Acorus spp. as minor constituents was investigated to explore the anti-anxiolytic activity and, its mode of action through competitive GABA receptor bindings with different antagonists of known nature e.g., flumazenil, picrotoxin and bicuculine. The open field, staircase test and, mirror chamber tests of animal models of anxiety were employed at 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg dose levels. The formulation exhibited significant dose dependent anxiolytic activity through oral administration for varying periods of time in different paradigms of increased time-spent in mirror chamber, in central platform of open filed and, the enhanced climbing of steps in staircase tests. The 200 and, 400 mg/kg doses were highly effective. The formulation seems to be acting through GABAA-benzodiazepine binding site as evident from the blockage of PH-1 action at 400 mg/kg dose level by the flumazenil, a known GABAA-benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, and, picrotoxin, a known GABAA receptor-chloride channel complex antagonist. However, the blockade of anxiolytic activity by bicuculine through GABAA-GABA binding receptor antagonist was not significant which also confirmed the mode of action through activation of benzodiazepine receptor and, facilitation of benzodiazepine interdependent chloride channel complex.

The combined effects of midazolam and propofol sedation on muscle power

We performed a randomised, crossover study to investigate the effects of intravenous sedation on grip strength and bite force. Twenty male volunteers received a bolus intravenous injection of midazolam (0.02 mg.kg(-1)) together with a 30-min propofol infusion designed to achieve an effect-site concentration of 1.0 μg.ml(-1). Observed variables included bispectral index, observer's assessment of alertness/sedation, correct answer rate of Stroop colour-word test, grip strength and bite force. Grip strength decreased from a median (IQR [range]) of 483 (443-517 [380-586]) N to 358 (280-405 [108-580]) N (p < 0.001) during sedation and recovered following flumazenil administration, while bite force increased from 818 (593-1026 [405-1406]) N to 1377 (1243-1585 [836-2357]) N (p < 0.001) during sedation. Although bite force gradually returned to baseline following flumazenil administration, it remained increased throughout the experimental period. We conclude that bite force increased during intravenous sedation and that this may have clinical implications.

Actions of a novel water-soluble benzodiazepine-receptor agonist JM-1232(−) on synaptic transmission in adult rat spinal substantia gelatinosa neurons

Although the intrathecal administration of JM-1232(−) reportedly produces antinociception, this action has not yet been examined at the cellular level. We examined the action of JM-1232(−) on synaptic transmission in spinal substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons which play an important role in regulating nociceptive transmission from the periphery. The whole-cell patch-clamp technique was applied to the SG neurons of adult rat spinal cord slices. Bath-applied JM-1232(−) prolonged the decay phase of GABAA-receptor mediated spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic current (sIPSC) and increased its frequency without a change in amplitude. The former but not latter action was sensitive to a benzodiazepine-receptor antagonist flumazenil. JM-1232(−) also increased glycinergic sIPSC frequency with no change in amplitude and decay phase. On the other hand, glutamatergic spontaneous excitatory transmission was unaffected by JM-1232(−). These results indicate that JM-1232(−) enhances inhibitory transmission by (1) prolonging the decay phase of GABAergic sIPSC through benzodiazepine-receptor activation and by (2) increasing the spontaneous release of GABA and glycine from nerve terminals without its activation. This enhancement could contribute to at least a part of the antinociceptive effect of intrathecally-administered JM-1232(−).

Midazolam Inhibits Hippocampal Long-Term Potentiation and Learning through Dual Central and Peripheral Benzodiazepine Receptor Activation and Neurosteroidogenesis

Benzodiazepines (BDZs) enhance GABA(A) receptor inhibition by direct actions on central BDZ receptors (CBRs). Although some BDZs also bind mitochondrial receptors [translocator protein (18 kDa) (TSPO)] and promote the synthesis of GABA-enhancing neurosteroids, the role of neurosteroids in the clinical effects of BDZs is unknown. In rat hippocampal slices, we compared midazolam, an anesthetic BDZ, with clonazepam, an anticonvulsant/anxiolytic BDZ that activates CBRs selectively. Midazolam, but not clonazepam, increased neurosteroid levels in CA1 pyramidal neurons without changing TSPO immunostaining. Midazolam, but not clonazepam, also augmented a form of spike inhibition after stimulation adjacent to the pyramidal cell layer and inhibited induction of long-term potentiation. These effects were prevented by finasteride, an inhibitor of neurosteroid synthesis, or 17PA [17-phenyl-(3α,5α)-androst-16-en-3-ol], a blocker of neurosteroid effects on GABA(A) receptors. Moreover, the synaptic effects were mimicked by a combination of clonazepam with FGIN (2-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]-N,N-dihexylacetamide), a selective TSPO agonist, or a combination of clonazepam with exogenous allopregnanolone. Consistent with these in vitro results, finasteride abolished the effects of midazolam on contextual fear learning when administrated 1 d before midazolam injection. Thus, dual activation of CBRs and TSPO appears to result in unique actions of clinically important BDZs. Furthermore, endogenous neurosteroids are shown to be important regulators of pyramidal neuron function and synaptic plasticity.

Effects of a Novel Benzodiazepine Derivative, JM-1232(-), on Human Gastroepiploic Artery In Vitro

To investigate the effects of JM-1232(-) on norepinephrine (10(-6) mol/L)- and high K(+) (40 mmol/L)-induced contractions in isolated human gastroepiploic arteries (GEA), and to compare them with the effects of midazolam and propofol. In addition, to investigate whether the benzodiazepine-receptor antagonist, flumazenil, or μ-opioid-receptor antagonist, naloxone, influenced the vascular effects of JM-1232(-). An in vitro experimental study. University laboratory. GEA segments were used from 69 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. JM-1232(-) produced dose-dependent relaxation effects in the rings. Although these effects of JM-1232(-) were greater than those of midazolam and propofol at high concentrations (10(-5)-10(-4) mol/L), there were no significantly different relaxation effects at the clinical concentrations of 3 × 10(-6) mol/L JM-1232(-), 3 × 10(-6) mol/L midazolam, and 1 × 10(-5) mol/L propofol. In addition, all these effects were independent of the presence of a functional endothelium. Vasorelaxation induced by JM-1232(-) on norepinephrine-preconstricted GEA was inhibited by flumazenil, but not by naloxone. These results indicate that JM-1232(-) dose-dependently relaxes smooth muscle in human GEA, this effect being independent of the endothelium. Within the ranges of plasma concentrations achieved in clinical practice, JM-1232(-) had similar vasorelaxation effects to midazolam and propofol. JM-1232(-)-induced vasorelaxation was inhibited by flumazenil, indicating that JM-1232(-)-induced vasorelaxation occurred via peripheral benzodiazepine receptor activation in the GEA.

Indorenate modifies a1-adrenergic and benzodiazepine receptor binding in the rat brain: an autoradiography study

Indorenate (5-methoxytryptamine-beta-methylcarboxylate) is a 5-HT1A receptor agonist that produces antihypertensive, anxiolytic, antidepressant and anticonvulsant effects. However, there is evidence suggesting that these effects could involve the activation of benzodiazepine (BZD) receptors but not the activation of a1-adrenergic receptors. The goal of this study was to analyse the effect of indorenate on a1-adrenergic and BZD receptor binding in specific rat brain areas by using in-vitro autoradiography. Coronal brain sections from male Wistar rats were used for labelling 5-HT1A (3H-8-OH-DPAT, 2 nM), a1-adrenergic (3H-prazosin, 2 nM) and BZD (3H-flunitrazepam, 2 nM) receptor binding in the presence or absence of indorenate (1 microM). Indorenate totally displaced 3H-8-OH-DPAT binding in all the brain areas evaluated. It decreased 3H-prazosin binding just in the frontal (30%) and sensorimotor (32%) cortices and in the thalamus (21%). Additionally, indorenate diminished 3H-flunitrazepam binding only in the cingulate (16%) and piriform (18%) cortices as well as in the dorsal raphe nucleus (18%). These results confirm that indorenate is a 5-HT1A ligand and suggest the possible participation of a1-adrenergic and BZD receptors in its pharmacological properties.

Flavonoid류와 diazepam의 시험관 내 MDA-MB-231 유방암세포 증식 억제 효과

Flavonoid류와 진정제의 시험관 내 암세포증식억제효과를 관찰하기 위하여, 암세포의 말초형 benzodiazepine 수용체(이하 PBR로 약함) 활성도와 포도당 활용도에 대한 효과를 유방암 세포를 대상으로 검색하였다. 동시에 이미 항암활성이 잘 알려진 flavonoid류와의 상호작용도 관찰하였다. Fisetin (3,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxyflavone)과 diazepam의 암세포 증식 억제 효과는 악성도가 높은 MDA-MB-231 유방암 세포에서 MCF-7 유방암세포보다 저명하게 관찰되었다. MDA-MB-231 유방암세포에서, Apigenin (4',5,7-Trihydroxyflavone)과 fisetin 같은 flavonoid류처럼, <TEX>$10^{-6}$</TEX> M 농도의 dazepam을 3일간 처치하였을 때 암세포 증식 억제효과를 나타내었으며, 이는 PBR 배위자들의 암세포 증식 증진효과와는 차이를 나타낸 것이다. Flavonoid 류처럼, MDA-MB-231 유방암세포에서, <TEX>$10^{-6}$</TEX> M dazepam의 3일간 처치는 암세포의 PBR mRNA 발현에 큰 영향을 미치지 않았다. <TEX>$10^{-6}$</TEX> M diazepam의 6 일간 처치는 암세포의 증식억제 효과가 증가되어 나타났으며, 암세포의 PBR mRNA 발현도 억제되었다. MDA-MB-231 유방암 세포에서, apigenin, fisetin과 diazepam은 포도당 유용도를 억제하였으며, 인슐린에 의한 포도당 유용도 증강효과도 억압하였다. Apigenin은 diazepam의 암세포 증식 억제 효과를 부가적으로 증강시켰다. 요약하면, 본 연구결과는 flavonoid류와 진정제의 시험관내 암세포 증식 억제효과와 부가적인 상호작용을 보여주고 있다. 결론적으로, 본 연구는 향후 좀더 진척된 시험을 위한 실험적인 기반 정보이다. The beneficial use of sedatives is often required for medically ill patients. This study examined the effect of plant flavonoids and diazepam peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) activation and glucose utilization in breast cancer cells, along with their interactions. In estrogen receptor negative MDA-MB-231 cells, the anti-proliferative activity of fisetin (3,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxyflavone) and diazepam was more prominent than in estrogen receptor positive MCF-7 cells. Unlike PBR ligands, treatment with <TEX>$10^{-6}$</TEX> M concentration of diazepam for 3 days exhibited anti-proliferative effects, while similar to apigenin (4',5,7-Trihydroxyflavone) and fisetin, diazepam hardly affected the PBR mRNA expression by MDA-MB-231 cells. Treatment with <TEX>$10^{-6}$</TEX> M concentration of flavonoids and diazepam for 3 days inhibited the glucose utilization of MDA-MB-231 cells. Treatment with <TEX>$10^{-6}$</TEX> M concentration of flavonoids and diazepam for 6 days showed increased cytotoxicity and reduced the PBR mRNA expression of the MDA-MB-231 cells. Apigenin enhanced diazepam-induced anti-proliferative effects on the MDA-MB-231 cells as well. All together, this study showed the in vitro anti-proliferative activity of flavonoids and diazepam on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, plus additive enhancements. In conclusion, this study provides experimental basis for advanced trials in the future.

NMDA and benzodiazepine receptors have synergistic and antagonistic effects on precursor cells in adult hippocampal neurogenesis

We studied how the noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist MK801 affected different stages of adult hippocampal neurogenesis in mice, and investigated how the activation of benzodiazepine receptors with diazepam interacted with the effects of MK801 on the precursor cells in the adult dentate gyrus. Our findings were: (i) one single MK801 application increased precursor cell proliferation and adult neurogenesis but not gliogenesis 4 weeks later; (ii) the number of label-retaining precursor cells decreased after MK801 (with P = 0.06); (iii) the pro-neurogenic effect included increased cell cycle entry of precursor cells as well as completed cell divisions, except in type-2a cells; (iv) NMDA receptor blockade also increased the number of nestin-GFP-expressing cells expressing calretinin; (v) diazepam alone had a very similar effect on overall precursor cell proliferation to that of MK801 alone; and (vi) diazepam, when co-applied with MK801, abolished the suppression of divisions of type-2a cells induced by MK801 alone, suppressed the MK801-induced effect on proliferation of type-2b cells and had no influence on the effects of MK801 on type-3 cells, but did suppress the increased number of nestin-GFP-positive cells expressing calretinin. From these results we hypothesize that, depending on the precursor cell stage, NMDA-dependent neurotransmission has distinct effects that are partly antagonized and partly enhanced by GABAergic input. We propose that NMDA receptor-dependent signalling maintains the precursor cells in the dentate gyrus while blocking initial stages of development and promoting more advanced stages.

Midazolam Inhibits Tumor Necrosis Factor-α–induced Endothelial Activation

Midazolam is widely used as an intravenous sedative. However, the role of midazolam on vascular endothelial activation is still unknown. The present study explores the action of midazolam on endothelial activation and its role to peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Intracellular localization of PBR in human umbilical vein endothelial cells was visualized with immunofluorescent staining. Monocyte adhesion and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression were measured with monocyte adhesion assay and Western blot analysis. Involvement of PBR was assessed by using specific antagonists and small interfering RNA against PBR. PBR was localized in the mitochondria of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Midazolam significantly inhibited tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and monocyte adhesion in a dose-dependent manner (1-30 microM). The midazolam-mediated suppression on the tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression and monocyte adhesion were inhibited by the pretreatment of PK11195 and not inhibited by the flumazenil. Transfection of small interfering RNA for PBR decreased the expression of PBR (18 kDa) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Midazolam-mediated suppression on the tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression was abrogated by the transfection of small interfering RNA for PBR. These results suggest that midazolam has an inhibitory action on the endothelial activation and that its action is related to the activation of peripheral benzodiazepine receptor localized in mitochondria of the endothelial cells.

Whole-body distribution and metabolism of [N-methyl-11C](R)-1-(2-chlorophenyl)-N-(1-methylpropyl)-3-isoquinolinecarboxamide in humans; an imaging agent for in vivo assessment of peripheral benzodiazepine receptor activity with positron emission tomography

(11)C-PK11195 is a radiopharmaceutical for in vivo assessment of peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) activity using PET. We sought to clarify the metabolic fate of (11)C-PK11195 in a test-retest setting using radio-HPLC in comparison with radio-TLC, and the whole-body distribution in humans. In order to evaluate the reproducibility of radio-HPLC metabolite analyses, ten patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) underwent two successive (11)C-PK11195 examinations on separate days. For comparison of different analytical methods, plasma samples from seven patients were also analysed by radio-TLC. In addition, we evaluated the whole-body distribution of (11)C-PK11195 and its uptake in the brain. The level of unmetabolized (11)C-PK11195 decreased slowly from 96.3 +/- 1.6% (mean+/-SD) at 5 min to 62.7 +/- 8.3% at 40 min after injection. Large individual variation was observed in the amount of plasma (11)C-PK11195 radiometabolites. The whole-body distribution of (11)C-PK11195 showed the highest radioactivity levels in urinary bladder, adrenal gland, liver, salivary glands, heart, kidneys, and vertebral column. In addition, the hip bone and breast bone were clearly visualized by PET. In patients with AD, (11)C-PK11195 uptake in the brain was the highest in the basal ganglia and thalamus, followed by the cortical grey matter regions and the cerebellum. Low (11)C-PK11195 uptake was observed in the white matter. Our results indicate that (11)C-PK11195 is eliminated both through the renal and hepatobiliary systems. Careful analysis of plasma metabolites is required to determine the accurate arterial input function for quantitative PET measurement.

Anxiolytic-like effect of cannabidiol in the rat Vogel conflict test

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major constituent of the Cannabis sativa plant. It inhibits the anxiogenic activity of high doses of Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol and induces anxiolytic-like effects. However, the mechanisms underlying the actions of CBD are unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to test the effects of CBD in the Vogel test, a widely used animal model of anxiety. In addition, it was verified if these effects would depend on benzodiazepine-receptor activation. After 24 h of water deprivation, male Wistar rats were subjected to an initial 3-min non-punished (pre-test) drinking session. This was followed by an additional 24-h period of water deprivation followed by a 3-min punished-licking session (test). Diazepam (3 mg/kg) or CBD (2.5, 5 or 10 mg/kg) were intraperitoneally injected 30 min before the test session. CBD (10 mg/kg) and diazepam had similar anticonflict effects, increasing the number of punished licks. The effect of diazepam, but not of CBD, was prevented by the benzodiazepine-receptor antagonist flumazenil (10 mg/kg). To exclude that the anticonflict effects were reflecting non-specific drug effects, we checked the effects of CBD on water consumption and nociceptive response. The drug did not interfere on the former variable in a non-punished test session. Moreover, contrary to morphine (5 mg/kg), CBD was ineffective in the tail-flick test. In conclusion, CBD induced an anticonflict effect not mediated by benzodiazepine receptors or by non-specific drug interference on nociceptive threshold or water consumption. These results reinforce the hypothesis that this cannabinoid has anxiolytic properties.

Increased anxiety-like behaviors and mitochondrial dysfunction in mice with targeted mutation of the Bcl-2 gene: Further support for the involvement of mitochondrial function in anxiety disorders

There is growing evidence that anxiety disorders are associated with impairments of cellular plasticity and resilience. Paralleling these advances in our understanding of the neurobiologic underpinnings of anxiety disorders is the growing appreciation of the diverse functions that mitochondria play in regulating integrated CNS function. The emerging data suggest that mitochondrial Ca 2+ sequestration has a key role in modulating the tone of synaptic plasticity in a variety of neuroanatomical regions, including those implicated in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders. Furthermore, activation of peripheral mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptors resulted in reduced anxiety in rats. One of the major modulators of mitochondrial function is Bcl-2 proteins imbedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Bcl-2 overexpression increases mitochondria Ca 2+ uptake capacity and resistance to Ca 2+-inhibition of respiration and upregulation of Bcl-2 increases maximal uptake capacity of mitochondria. We have, therefore, explored the significance of Bcl-2 in the association between mitochondrial function and affective disorders testing Bcl-2 heterozygote mice in models of affective and anxiety disorders. Mutant mice have reduced mitochondrial Bcl-2 levels, and although they have no gross behavioral abnormalities, they demonstrate a significant increase of anxiety-like behaviors. Bcl-2 heterozygote mice spent less time in the center of an open field, spent less time outside an enclosure in the “emergence test”, were less likely to explore the transparent part of a black/white box or the open arms of an elevated plus maze compared with WT controls. Mutant mice did not differ from WT in measures of locomotion or in the forced swim test for depression-like behavior suggesting a specific effect on anxiety-like behaviors. Our study, therefore demonstrates that Bcl-2 may be a key factor in anxiety disorders and that its effects may possibly originate from its role in the mitochondria.

Panicolytic-like effect induced by the stimulation of GABAA and GABAB receptors in the dorsal periaqueductal grey of rats

Activation of GABAA and benzodiazepine receptors within the dorsal periaqueductal grey inhibits the escape behaviour evoked by the electrical stimulation of this midbrain area, a defensive reaction that has been related to panic. Nevertheless, there is no evidence indicating whether the same antiaversive effect is also observed in escape responses evoked by species-specific threatening stimuli. In the present study, male Wistar rats were injected intra-dorsal periaqueductal grey with the benzodiazepine receptor agonist midazolam (10, 20 and 40 nmol), the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol (2, 4 and 8 nmol), the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen (2, 4 and 8 nmol), or with the benzodiazepine inverse agonist FG 7142 (20, 40 and 80 pmol) and tested in an ethologically-based animal model of anxiety, the elevated T-maze. Besides escape, this test also allows the measurement of inhibitory avoidance which has been related to generalised anxiety disorder. Midazolam, muscimol and baclofen impaired escape, a panicolytic-like effect, without altering inhibitory avoidance. FG 7142, on the other hand, facilitated both avoidance and escape reactions, suggesting an anxiogenic and panicogenic-like effect, respectively. The data suggest that GABAA/benzodiazepine and GABAB receptors within the dorsal periaqueductal grey are involved in the control of escape behaviour and that a failure in this regulatory mechanism may be of importance in panic disorder.

Elevated peripheral benzodiazepine receptor expression in simian immunodeficiency virus encephalitis.

Measurement of central nervous system (CNS) expression of the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR), a microglia and macrophage activation marker, by positron emission tomography (PET) would aid clinical management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. To evaluate the utility of examining PBR expression in the CNS as a cellular activation marker in HIV CNS disease, PBR levels were measured in frontal cortex of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected macaques with encephalitis and uninfected animals via PK11195 ligand autoradiography. [(3)H]-(R)-PK11195 binding to both grey matter (P =.017) and white matter (P =.038) was significantly higher in animals with SIV encephalitis (n = 10) versus control animals (n = 3). When PK11195 binding was compared with other microglial/macrophage activation markers (obtained via quantitative image analysis), a strong, significant association was found for both HAM56 (P =.004) and KP-1 (anti-CD68; P =.006) immunostaining in white matter. In contrast, grey matter PK11195 binding did not correlate with HAM56 (P =.46), KP-1 (P =.06), or glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunostaining for astrocytic activation (P =.09). The regional nature of these increases in activation within the brain illustrates the crucial need to focus functional neuroimaging analyses of HIV-infected individuals on subcortical white matter to assess activation of microglia and macrophages.

Synthesis and benzodiazepine receptor binding activity of 2, 9-disubstituted quinolino[2', 3'-5, 4](3-pyrazolino)[3, 2-b]purin-4-ones.

2, 9-Disubstituted quinolino[2', 3'-5, 4](3-pyrazolino)pyrimidin-2-ones and purin-4-ones were synthesized and their benzodiazepine receptor activity was evaluated for their ability to displace [(3)H]R015-1788 from its specific binding in bovine brain membranes. Compound 5c caused 83 +/- 8 %inhibition in [(3)H]R015-1788 specific benzodiazepine receptor binding followed by compounds 5f, 5h, and 5i while other analogs were inactive at 10 microM concentration.

The octadecaneuropeptide ODN stimulates neurosteroid biosynthesis through activation of central-type benzodiazepine receptors.

Neurosteroids may play a major role in the regulation of various neurophysiological and behavioural processes. However, while the biochemical pathways involved in the synthesis of neuroactive steroids in the central nervous system are now elucidated, the mechanisms controlling the activity of neurosteroid-producing cells remain almost completely unknown. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of the octadecaneuropeptide (ODN), an endogenous ligand of benzodiazepine receptors, in the control of steroid biosynthesis in the frog hypothalamus. Glial cells containing ODN-like immunoreactivity were found to send their thick processes in the close vicinity of neurones expressing the steroidogenic enzyme 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Exposure of frog hypothalamic explants to graded concentrations of ODN (10(-10)-10(-5) M) produced a dose-dependent increase in the conversion of tritiated pregnenolone into various radioactive steroids, including 17-hydroxypregnenolone, progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone and dihydrotestosterone. The ODN-induced stimulation of neurosteroid biosynthesis was mimicked by the central-type benzodiazepine receptor (CBR) inverse agonists methyl beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (beta-CCM) and methyl 6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (DMCM). The stimulatory effects of ODN, beta-CCM and DMCM on steroid formation was markedly reduced by the CBR antagonist flumazenil. The ODN-evoked stimulation of neurosteroid production was also significantly attenuated by GABA. Collectively, these data indicate that the endozepine ODN, released by glial cell processes in the vicinity of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-containing neurones, stimulates the biosynthesis of neurosteroids through activation of central-type benzodiazepines receptors.

Activation of peripheral mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptors in the hippocampus stimulates allopregnanolone synthesis and produces anxiolytic-like effects in the rat.

Stimulation of the mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptor (MBR) in the brain activates the synthesis of neurosteroids that can act as positive modulators of the GABA(A) receptor complex. Allopregnanolone is a potent anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, sedative and hypnotic GABAergic neurosteroid. The anxiolytic-like effects of FGIN 1-27, an MBR agonist, were determined after microinjection into the dorsal hippocampus. Behavior in the elevated plus-maze was assessed in adult male rats after bilateral injections of 0, 1.25, 2.5, or 5 microg FGIN 1-27. The behavioral effects of FGIN 1-27 were also determined in animals receiving intrahippocampal co-administration of 20 ng picrotoxin, 5 microg flumazenil, or 200 ng PK 11195. The effects of FGIN 1-27 on behavior in the elevated plus-maze and shock-probe burying test were measured in animals pretreated systemically with 10 mg/kg 4-MA, a 5alpha-reductase inhibitor. Hippocampal and blood plasma levels of allopregnanolone were measured in separate groups of animals pretreated with 4-MA and receiving an intrahippocampal injection of FGIN 1-27. Intrahippocampal injections of FGIN 1-27 produced anxiolytic-like effects in the plus-maze and in the shock-probe burying test. Hippocampal and blood levels of allopregnanolone were also increased by FGIN 1-27. The anxiolytic-like effects of FGIN 1-27 were attenuated by PK 11195 and were blocked by picrotoxin and 4-MA pretreatment, but remained unaffected by flumazenil pretreatment. The neurosteroidogenic effect of FGIN 1-27 was also eliminated by 4-MA. Activation of the MBR in the hippocampus leads to the synthesis of allopregnanolone, an anxiolytic neurosteroid that potentiates GABA(A) receptor function.

Individual and combined manipulation of muscarinic, NMDA, and benzodiazepine receptor activity in the water maze task: implications for a rat model of Alzheimer dementia

Recent evidence indicates that Alzheimer disease typically involves different degrees of impairment in a variety of neurotransmitter systems, behaviors, and cognitive abilities in different patients. To investigate the relations between neurotransmitter system, behavioral, and cognitive impairments in an animal model of Alzheimer disease we studied spatial learning in a Morris water maze in male Long–Evans rats given neurochemical agents that targeted muscarinic cholinergic, NMDA, or benzodiazepine systems. Naive rats given a single agent or a combination of agents were severely impaired in place responding and had behavioral strategy impairments. Rats made familiar with the required water maze behavioral strategies by non-spatial pretraining performed as well as controls if given a single agent. Non-spatially pretrained rats with manipulation of both muscarinic cholinergic and NMDA or muscarinic cholinergic and benzodiazepine systems had a specific place response impairment but no behavioral strategy impairments. The results suggest that impairment of both muscarinic cholinergic and NMDA, or muscarinic cholinergic and benzodiazepine systems may model some aspects of human Alzheimer disease (impairments in navigation in familiar environments), but not other aspects of this disorder (global dementia leading to general loss of adaptive behavior). Previous research suggests that impairment of both muscarinic cholinergic and serotonergic systems may provide a better model of global dementia. The water maze testing and detailed behavioral analysis techniques used here appear to provide a means of investigating the contributions of various combinations of neurotransmitter system impairments to an animal model of Alzheimer disease.