Central and peripheral benzodiazepine receptors: involvement in an organism's response to physical and psychological stress

Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 1991 Summer;15(2):277-98. doi: 10.1016/s0149-7634(05)80007-7.

Abstract

The present review discusses the current knowledge of the molecular pharmacology and neuroanatomical and subcellular localization of both the central benzodiazepine/GABA-chloride ionophore receptor complex and the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor. It then reviews all of the literature to date on how these two receptor sites are modulated by environmental stress. The possible role of these sites in learning and memory is also discussed. Finally, a theoretical model is presented which examines the differential, and perhaps complementary, alterations of these two sites in an organism's response to stress.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Central Nervous System / metabolism
  • Central Nervous System / physiology*
  • Central Nervous System / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Peripheral Nerves / metabolism
  • Peripheral Nerves / physiology*
  • Peripheral Nerves / physiopathology
  • Receptors, GABA-A / physiology*
  • Stress, Physiological / physiopathology*
  • Stress, Psychological / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Receptors, GABA-A