Medline ® Abstract for Reference 23
of 'Generalized anxiety disorder in adults: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, course, assessment, and diagnosis'
23
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Decreased density of benzodiazepine receptors in lymphocytes of anxious patients: reversal after chronic diazepam treatment.
AU
Ferrarese C, Appollonio I, Frigo M, Perego M, Piolti R, Trabucchi M, Frattola L
SO
Acta Psychiatr Scand. 1990;82(2):169.
Peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors were measured in human circulating lymphocytes using 3H-PK 11195 as specific ligand. In a group of outpatients with anxiety disorders a significant decrease of receptor density (-37%) was found compared with age-matched controls. In these patients long-term diazepam treatment restored binding density to normal levels: the effect persisted after drug withdrawal. Acute i.v. diazepam administration did not change receptor density. The observed receptor changes could reflect a down-regulation phenomenon and indicate that lymphocyte function reflect central nervous events.
AD
Department of Neurology, University of Milan, S. Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy.
PMID