Solubilization and properties of a benzodiazepine receptor from calf cortex.

A putative benzodiazepine receptor was solubilized from calf cortex by the use of sodium deoxycholate as an 10.9S entity containing subunits of which at least part are of 51 K molecular weight. The solubilized receptor retains its high affinity for [3H]flunitrazepam. The affinity for various other drugs, including benzodiazepines and xanthine derivatives, was also not significantly altered. GABAergic modulation of the receptor affinity for [3H]flunitrazepam was diminished but still detectable.