POSTNATAL-DEVELOPMENT AND GABA ALLOSTERIC MODULATION OF BENZODIAZEPINE RECEPTOR-BINDING IN THE VITAMIN B-6 DEFICIENT RAT-BRAIN

We have measured the postnatal development and GABA modulation of benz odiazepine receptors in neuronal membranes from vitamin B-6 deficient and normal rats. In rats fed vitamin B-6 adequate and deficient diets there were age-dependent changes in [H-3]flunitrazepam binding site af finity and in the number of binding sites. Vitamin B-6 deficiency prod uced a significant reduction in the potency of GABA to enhance [H-3]fl unitrazepam binding to cortical membranes prepared from 14 day old rat s. These results suggests an uncoupling of the GABAa/benzodiazepine re ceptor at a developmental period when the animals are most susceptible to spontaneous seizures.