The effects of drugs acting at the GABAA-receptor/ionophore after chemical kindling with the benzodiazepine receptor ligand FG 7142.

Repeated administration of the beta-carboline benzodiazepine receptor ligand FG 7142 produces sensitization to its effects so that full seizures develop (chemical kindling); initially it is only pro-convulsant. The present study investigated alterations in the function of drugs which act at the different sites at the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) benzodiazepine receptor complex, after repeated administration of FG 7142. In FG 7142 kindled mice decreased anticonvulsant and hypothermic effects of the GABA agonist muscimol were observed. The hypothermic effects of the GABA agonist progabide were reduced. In contrast a small increase in the hypothermic effect of pentobarbitone was seen. The convulsant effects of bicuculline and picrotoxin were unaltered when they were given intravenously but marginally increased when they were given by the intraperitoneal route. No changes were seen in the hypothermic effects of these drugs. No significant changes were seen in the convulsant or hypothermic effects of pentylenetetrazol. These results suggest that kindling with FG 7142 may alter GABA receptor function.