L-type high voltage-gated calcium channels cause an increase in diazepam binding inhibitor mRNA expression after sustained exposure to ethanol in mouse cerebral cortical neurons.

Mechanisms for increase in diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI) mRNA expression after sustained exposure to ethanol (EtOH) were investigated. Increases in 30 mM KCl-induced [45Ca(2+)] influx and DBI mRNA expression after EtOH (50 mM) exposure for 3 days were completely abolished by nifedipine, but not by omega-agatoxin VIA and omega-conotoxin GIVA. These results indicate that EtOH-induced increase in DBI mRNA expression is mediated via increased Ca(2+) entry through up-regulated L-type high voltage-gated calcium channels.