GABA/benzodiazepine receptor complex in long-sleep and short-sleep mice

LS mice are more sensitive to benzodiazepine-induced anesthesia; however, the two lines do not differ in their hypothermic response to flurazepam. SS mice are more resistant to 3-mercaptopropionic acid-induced seizures and more sensitive to the anticonvulsant effects of benzodiazepines. The various correlates of GABA and benzodiazepine actions probably are the results of different mechanisms of action and/or differential regional control. Bicuculline competition for 3H-GABA binding sites is greater in SS cerebellar tissue and 3H-flunitrazepam binding is greater in the mid-brain region of LS mice. GABA enhancement of 3H-flunitrazepma binding is greater in SS mice. Ethanol also enhances 3H-flunitrazepam binding and increases the levels of 3H-flunitrazepam binding above those observed for GABA. Using correlational techniques on data from LS and SS mice and several inbred mouse strains, it was demonstrated that a positive relationship exists between the degree of receptor coupling within the GABA receptor complex and the degree of resistance to seizures