Beta-methyl carboline, a benzodiazepine inverse agonist, attenuates the effect of triazolam on the circadian rhythm of locomotor activity.

The benzodiazepine triazolam, the benzodiazepine inverse agonist, beta-methyl carboline (beta-CCM) or both, were administered to adult male hamsters under conditions of constant light. When given alone, triazolam induced phase advances in the circadian activity rhythm of about 90 min, while beta-CCM when given alone, had no effect on phase of the activity rhythm. However, when triazolam and beta-CCM were given at the same time, the magnitude of the phase advances induced by triazolam were attenuated to about 30 min. These data, in conjunction with previous results, provide pharmacological evidence for a GABAergic system involved in the regulation of a central circadian pacemaker.