Journal of Neuroscience, Vol 3, 2270-2279, Copyright © 1983 by Society for Neuroscience
Two distinct solubilized benzodiazepine receptors: differential modulation by ions
MM Lo and SH Snyder
The modulation of solubilized type 1 and type 2 benzodiazepine receptors
from cow brain by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), divalent cations, and
anions has been evaluated. GABA stimulates [3H] flunitrazepam binding of
both receptor subtypes, whereas divalent cations and anions selectively
stimulate solubilized type 2 receptors. Of numerous anions examined, only
chloride, bromide, and iodide enhance [3H] flunitrazepam binding. Chloride
and bromide increase mainly receptor affinity for [3H]flunitrazepam,
whereas iodide largely influences Bmax values. Divalent cations also
stimulate soluble type 2 receptors. Calcium, zinc, manganese, barium, and
magnesium have similar potencies in enhancing [3H]flunitrazepam binding,
whereas copper and nickel are about 4 to 5 times more potent. The 2- to
3-fold increase in type 2 receptor binding by divalent cations involves
change in numbers of binding sites. Effects of combinations of GABA,
calcium, and chloride suggest that they may exert their modulating effects
on type 2 receptors through different mechanisms. GABA, calcium, and
chloride also protect [3H]flunitrazepam binding from heat inactivation,
indicating a close link in the native state between the GABA, ions, and the
benzodiazepine recognition sites. Since physiologic concentrations of
calcium and chloride influence type 2 receptors, these ions may be involved
in those pharmacologic effects of benzodiazepines mediated by type 2 sites.