Diazepam induces FGF-2 and its mRNA in the spinal cord

WE have explored the possibility that the GABA system can influence the exp ression of FGF-2 in the spinal cord. The GABA agonist diazepam was systemic ally injected in adult rats, and the expression of FGF-2 was examined in th e cervical spinal cord region between 6 h and 7 days post-injection. Result s of nuclease protection assays showed increases in FGF-2 mRNA, starting by 6 h and returning to approximately control values by 3 days. There was an increase in the density of FGF-2 immunostained astrocyte-like cells between 6 h and 3 days. Results showing that diazepam up-regulates FGF-2 expressio n in the spinal cord suggest that GABA may promote neuroplasticity in conce rt with FGF-2. (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.