ALTERATION OF PLATELET BENZODIAZEPINE RECEPTORS BY STRESS OF WAR

Mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptors play a major role in steroidoge nesis. The authors determined plasma cortisol levels, platelet levels of mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptors,and anxiety and depression s cores in 11 civilians exposed to the Persian Gulf war. The density of mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptors was 22% and 15% lower before an d during the war, respectively, than 4 weeks after the end of the war. Relief of stress led to an increase in receptors, which correlated wi th the improvement in anxiety but not mood.