Beta-carboline kindling of the benzodiazepine receptor.

Beta-Carboline (norharman), an antagonist of the benzodiazepine receptor, given daily at a dose of 20 mg/kg (i.p.), produces kindled seizures. The mechanism of this epileptogenesis is unknown; however, other ligands of the benzodiazepine receptor, i.e. diazepam, R015-1788 and CL218-872 block the expression of kindled seizures in a dose-dependent manner. The results suggest that beta-carboline kindling is mediated through the benzodiazepine receptor.