Effect of Meta-Chlorobenzhydryl Urea (m-ClBHU) on Benzodiazepine Receptor System in Rat Brain During Experimental Alcoholism

Chronic alcohol intake induces neuroadaptive changes in benzodiazepine receptors modulating GABA A receptors that promote alcohol addiction. Analysis of benzodiazepine receptors in the brain of Wistar rats differing by alcohol preference has demonstrated that affinity of [ 3 H]flunitrazepam and [ 3 H]Ro5-4864 binding with membrane fraction was reduced, while the density of specific binding sites in the brain cortex of heavy drinking and low drinking rats was increased in comparison with rats nonpreferring alcohol. Administration of anticonvulsant meta-chlorobenzhydryl urea increased affinity of benzodiazepine receptors in the brain cortex of heavy drinking rats, which improved GABA neurotransmission in the brain of these animals and reduced alcohol consumption.