Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

The mammalian central nervous system possesses specific high-affinity binding sites for the benzodiazepines and considerable evidence suggests that these binding sites are the pharmacological receptors through which these compounds act. Recently, ethyl beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (beta-CCE) has been identified in both human urine and rat brain. beta-CCE may be closely related to the endogenous ligand for the benzodiazepine receptor--it shows an affinity for the receptor of the same order as that of clonazepam, one of the most potent benzodiazepines, and is the first non-diazepinoid structure to be identified with an affinity in the nanomolar range. Furthermore, it is selective for the benzodiazepine receptor. Clinically and in animal studies, benzodiazepines have anti-convulsant, hypnotic and anxiolytic actions. We have therefore investigated whether beta-CCE exhibits any of these properties in rats. We report here that, in contrast to the benzodiazepines, beta-CCE lowers seizure threshold and reverses the sedative effect of flurazepam. If beta-CCE has a close structural relationship to the endogenous ligand, benzodiazepines may be antagonistic at the receptor site.

Type

Journal article

Journal

Nature

Publication Date

05/03/1981

Volume

290

Pages

54 - 55

Keywords

Animals, Bicuculline, Carbolines, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Flurazepam, Indoles, Rats, Receptors, Drug, Receptors, GABA-A, Seizures