Investigating benzodiazepine receptor function in vivo using an intravenous infusion of DMCM.
A method for measuring seizure thresholds using an intravenous infusion of a convulsant beta-carboline benzodiazepine receptor ligand (DMCM) is reported. Seizure thresholds to DMCM are elevated by the benzodiazepine receptor agonist, flurazepam and antagonist, Ro 15-1788, and the proconvulsant beta-carboline, FG 7142. Various other anticonvulsant also antagonise DMCM seizures. Selectivity for the benzodiazepine/GABA receptor complex is demonstrated since bicuculline and pentylenetetrazol lowered thresholds whereas strychnine and N-methyl DL-aspartate did not.
D000818:Animals; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000494:pharmacology; D002243:Carbolines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003292:Convulsants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004597:Electroshock; D007211:Indoles / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D012640:Seizures / Q000503:physiopathology; D012684:Sensory Thresholds / Q000187:drug effects
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D002243:Carbolines; D003292:Convulsants; D007211:Indoles; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A; C034818:methyl 6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate; C035874:FG 7142