Body temperature discriminates between full and partial benzodiazepine receptor agonists.
The benzodiazepine full agonist loprazolam and the beta-carboline ZK 93423 produced hypothermia in mice (1-30 mg/kg i.p.). Maximal effects were seen at relatively low doses of these compounds. In contrast, the partial agonists Ro 17-1812 (a benzodiazepine) and ZK 91296 (a beta-carboline), did not modify rectal temperature at doses up to 30 mg/kg i.p. (which would be receptor saturating). Body temperature may therefore be a useful test for discriminating between full and partial agonists at the benzodiazepine receptor.
Jackson
H C
HC
Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University, Walk, Bristol, U.K.
Nutt
D J
DJ
D000818:Animals; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D001570:Benzodiazepinones / Q000494:pharmacology; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000187:drug effects*; D002243:Carbolines / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A / Q000187:drug effects*
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D001570:Benzodiazepinones; D002243:Carbolines; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A; D001569:Benzodiazepines; C020168:triazulenone; C038933:ZK 91296; C042569:ZK 93423; C049715:Ro 17-1812