CHRONIC ZOLPIDEM TREATMENT ALTERS GABA(A) RECEPTOR MESSENGER-RNA LEVELS IN THE RAT CORTEX

The effect of chronic zolpidem treatment on the steady-state levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid(A) alpha 1-6, beta 1-3 and gamma 1-3 subunit mRNAs in rat cortex has been investigated. Male Sprague-Dawley rats we re injected once daily, for 7 or 14 days, with 15 mg/kg of zolpidem in sesame oil vehicle. The levels of the alpha 4 and beta 1 subunit mRNA s were significantly increased after 7 days of treatment and the level of alpha 1 subunit mRNA was significantly decreased after 14 days of treatment, as determined by solution hybridization. These results are compared to the previously determined effects of an equivalent schedul e of treatment with diazepam. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.