Neural Modulation of the Immune Response Through the Benzodiazepine/GABA Receptor Chloride Ionophore Complex


Book Description

This project examines the role of the benzodiazepine/GABA receptor chloride ionophore complex (Supramolecular Complex) in the control of immune functions. We have found that the suppression of allogeneic CTL response by the benzodiazepine receptor inverse agonist, FG 7142 is dose-dependent, and that this suppression is long lasting. FG 7142 suppressed CTL response in male mice only, suggesting that the FG 7142-induced immune suppression may by sexually dimorphic. Natural Killer (NK) cell activity was also suppressed 2 hr after administration of FG 7142 and was still manifest 24 hr later. A profound suppression of immune functions (CTL, NK, and MLR responses) was also observed 2 hr after administration of a single dose of Alprazolam (a triazolbenzodiazepine with high affinity for 'central' but not 'peripheral' benzodiazepine receptors). These results suggest that the benzodiazepine receptors and the pathways subserved by these receptors may be important in the neural control of immunity. Keywords: Immunochemistry, Benzodiazepine receptors, B-Carbolines, Immunity, NK activity, Mitogen stimulation, T cells, Stress, Neuroimmunomodulation, CNS Cytotoxic T Lympocyte (CTL). (kt).




Peripheral Benzodiazepine Receptors


Book Description

Neuroscience Perspectives provides multidisciplinary reviews of topics in one of the most diverse and rapidly advancing fields in the life sciences. Whether you are a new recruit to neuroscience, or an established expert, look to this series for 'one-stop' sources of the historical, physiological, pharmacological, biochemical, molecular biological and therapeutic aspects of chosen research areas. Although peripheral type benzodiazepne recognition sites have been demonstrated in the brain and peripheral organs of various species for more than 10 years, the exact physiological function or pharmacological effects have not yet been established. Peripheral benzodiazepine literature is so overwhelming that the novice may find it virtually impossible to form a clear idea about the diverse findings. This volume, dedicated exclusively to pBR and their natural and synthetic ligands, puts the available data into perspective. A truly interdisciplinary approach has brought neuroscientists, cardiologists, endocrinologists, and immunologists together to work on the description of pBR-mediated effects. The chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology of the pBR receptor and its ligands are reviewed, their pharmacological usefulness is conjectured, and thus a true overview of the field is provided. * SPECIAL FEATURES * This volume follows the Neuroscience Perspectives brief of providing a historical background, pharmacological, biochemical and physiological aspects of research and therapeutic potential, of its chosen topic. * The peripheral benzodiazepine recognition site has been recognised for more than ten years, but the exact physiological and pharmacological effects have not yet been established.







Translocator Protein (TSPO)


Book Description

This book is a printed edition of the Special Issue "Translocator Protein (TSPO)" that was published in IJMS







Translational Pain Research


Book Description

One of the Most Rapidly Advancing Fields in Modern Neuroscience The success of molecular biology and the new tools derived from molecular genetics have revolutionized pain research and its translation to therapeutic effectiveness. Bringing together recent advances in modern neuroscience regarding genetic studies in mice and humans and the practical




Naturally Occurring Benzodiazepines, Endozepines, and their Receptors


Book Description

Discusses endogenous benzodiazepine-like substances – what do they do, do they affect the anti-anxiety drugs and their adverse effects? Presents information on the enigmatic prolonged benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome Describes the compounds acting at the BDZ binding sites, both exogenous (classical BDZ drugs and BDZ from food and plants) and endogenous (endozepines) Assesses the putative interactions in physiology, pathology and pharmacology of the compounds acting at the BDZ binding sites