Chronic diazepam exposure decreases transcription of the rat GABA(A) receptor gamma2-subunit gene.
The rate of transcription of the GABA(A) receptor gamma2-subunit gene in rat cortex has been measured using the nuclear run-off transcriptional assay. Exposure of rats to diazepam (15 mg/kg/day for 14 days) caused a significant reduction in the level of nascent GABA(A) receptor gamma2-subunit transcripts. Therefore, a component of the cellular response to chronic benzodiazepine exposure includes events which take place at the level of transcription of a GABA(A) receptor gene.
Holt
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Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. rholt@gpu.srv.ualberta.ca
Martin
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Bateson
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D000818:Animals; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D003975:Diazepam / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015536:Down-Regulation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D013997:Time Factors; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects*
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A; D003975:Diazepam