DECREASED DENSITY OF LYMPHOCYTE BENZODIAZEPINE RECEPTORS IN DRUG-RESISTANT EPILEPTIC PATIENTS

Peripheral benzodiazepine receptors (PER) may have a role in epilepsy and in mediating antiepileptic drug effects. Since PER in blood mononu clear cells may be acted on by anticonvulsant drugs, we investigated p ossible modifications of these receptors in newly diagnosed patients, before and after antiepileptic treatment and in drug-resistant epilept ic patients. A significantly lower receptor density, with no differenc e in affinity, was observed in drug-resistant patients, compared to ne wly diagnosed patients and to normal age-related controls. We suggest the possible use of PER as a peripheral marker of drug response. (C) 1 997 Elsevier Science B.V.