Benzodiazepines antagonize central corticotropin releasing hormone-induced suppression of natural killer cell activity

Brain Res. 1993 Dec 17;631(1):114-8. doi: 10.1016/0006-8993(93)91194-w.

Abstract

Benzodiazepines have anxiolytic properties and attenuate behavioral stress responses induced by corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH). To evaluate the effect of benzodiazepines on CRH-induced immune suppression, potent centrally acting benzodiazepines were administered prior to central infusion of CRH (i.c.v.; 1.0 microgram). CRH induced a significant (P < 0.01) reduction of splenic natural killer cell activity which was completely antagonized by pretreatment with either diazepam or alprazolam.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alprazolam / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Benzodiazepines / pharmacology*
  • Brain / metabolism*
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / physiology*
  • Diazepam / pharmacology
  • Injections, Intraventricular
  • Killer Cells, Natural / drug effects*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / physiology
  • Male
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / drug effects
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar

Substances

  • Benzodiazepines
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Diazepam
  • Alprazolam