Age-related changes in central and peripheral benzodiazepine binding sites.

Abstract

3H-flunitrazepam binding was studied in membranes from different brain regions and from kidneys and adrenals of young (5-month old) and aged (22-month old) rats. Decreased benzodiazepine receptor density (by 33.7%) was observed only in the cerebellum of aged rats. The number of benzodiazepine receptors was significantly increased in the hypothalamus (by 44.1%). Specific 3H-flunitrazepam binding was also significantly increased in both kidney and adrenal membranes from old rats.