Dramatic increase in nigral t-[35S]butylbicyclophosphorothionate binding sites elicited by the degeneration of the striato-nigral GABAergic pathway: reversal by diazepam.
Sanna E;SERRA, MARIANGELA;
1989-01-01
Abstract
In rats, the degeneration of the striato-nigral GABAergic pathway caused by the intrastriatal injection of kainic acid induced a marked decrease (65%) of GABA content and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) activity and a dramatic increase (225%) in the binding of t-[35S]butylbicyclophosphorothionate [( 35S]TBPS) to a membrane preparation from the substantia nigra homolateral to the injected striatum. The increase in [35S]TBPS binding in the denervated substantia nigra was exclusively due to an increased density of binding sites (Bmax) with no change in the dissociation constant (kd). The enhancement in [35S]TBPS binding was almost completely reversed by the intraperitoneal administration of diazepam (3 mg/kg) to kainic acid-lesioned rats. Moreover, diazepam produced a significant decrease (30%) in the density of [35S]TBPS binding sites also in the sham-operated side. In contrast the 'in vitro' addition of the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline (1 microM) to the membrane preparation from the denervated substantia nigra further increased [35S]TBPS binding. These findings suggest the view that the increase of nigral [35S]TBPS binding is directly related to the inhibition in the function of nigral GABAergic synapses following the loss of the striato-nigral GABAergic pathway. Our results indicate that [35S]TBPS binding to brain structure is a potential tool to reveal alteration in the function of GABAA receptor complex elicited by physiological, pharmacological and pathological conditions.Items in DSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.