Abstract
24 h after administration of a single dose of the benzodiazepine receptor inverse agonists N′-methyl-β-carboline-3-carboxamide (FG 7142) and 3-carbomethoxy-4-ethyl-6,7-dimethoxy-β-carboline (DMCM), a profound suppression of the immune response was observed in rodents. This immunosuppression was manifest as a decrease in phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and concanavalin-A (Con-A) stimulated T cell proliferation in rats and mice administered FG 7142 and a decrease in allogeneic cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity in mice administered either FG 7142 or DMCM. The effects of FG 7142 were antagonized by the prior administration of Ro 15-1788, a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist. These findings demonstrate that the neural pathways subserved by benzodiazepine receptors can modulate immune function, and suggest that these receptors may be involved in the stress-induced modulation of immune function.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-9 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Journal of Neuroimmunology |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 1987 |
Keywords
- Benzodiazepine receptor
- Immunosuppression
- β-Carboline