Diazepam alters brain 5-HT function in man: implications for the acute and chronic effects of benzodiazepines.
The effect of diazepam on brain 5-HT-mediated neuroendocrine responses was studied in healthy male volunteers. An acute dose of diazepam (15 mg) significantly attenuated the prolactin and growth hormone responses to intravenous L-tryptophan. After 3 weeks administration of diazepam (25 mg/d) these responses had returned to normal despite much higher plasma diazepam concentrations, suggesting that tolerance had occurred. A reduction in brain 5-HT function may underlie some of the acute therapeutic actions of benzodiazepines. It is possible that excessive 'rebound' 5-HT activity may contribute to the abstinence syndrome seen on benzodiazepine withdrawal.
D000328:Adult; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000187:drug effects*; D003975:Diazepam / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000187:drug effects; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D012701:Serotonin / Q000502:physiology*; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000494:pharmacology
D012701:Serotonin; D014364:Tryptophan; D011388:Prolactin; D013006:Growth Hormone; D003975:Diazepam