Epilepsy Research
Volume 27, Issue 3 , Pages 181-185, June 1997

Decreased density of lymphocyte benzodiazepine receptors in drug-resistant epileptic patients

  • Carlo Ferrarese

      Affiliations

    • Department of Neurology, University of Milan, Ospedale San Gerardo, Via Donizetti 106, 20 052 Monza, Italy
    • Scientific Institute `Eugenio Medea', Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +39 39 2333598; fax: +39 39 2300155.
    • ,
  • Rachele Tortorella

      Affiliations

    • Scientific Institute `Eugenio Medea', Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
    • ,
  • Graziella Bogliun

      Affiliations

    • Department of Neurology, University of Milan, Ospedale San Gerardo, Via Donizetti 106, 20 052 Monza, Italy
    • ,
  • Ettore Beghi

      Affiliations

    • Department of Neurology, University of Milan, Ospedale San Gerardo, Via Donizetti 106, 20 052 Monza, Italy
    • ,
  • Tiziana Cogliati

      Affiliations

    • Scientific Institute `Eugenio Medea', Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
    • ,
  • Chiara Zoia

      Affiliations

    • Department of Neurology, University of Milan, Ospedale San Gerardo, Via Donizetti 106, 20 052 Monza, Italy
    • ,
  • Davide Passoni

      Affiliations

    • Scientific Institute `Eugenio Medea', Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
    • ,
  • Lodovico Frattola

      Affiliations

    • Department of Neurology, University of Milan, Ospedale San Gerardo, Via Donizetti 106, 20 052 Monza, Italy

Received 9 August 1996; received in revised form 17 January 1997; accepted 14 February 1997.

Abstract 

Peripheral benzodiazepine receptors (PBR) may have a role in epilepsy and in mediating antiepileptic drug effects. Since PBR in blood mononuclear cells may be acted on by anticonvulsant drugs, we investigated possible modifications of these receptors in newly diagnosed patients, before and after antiepileptic treatment and in drug-resistant epileptic patients. A significantly lower receptor density, with no difference in affinity, was observed in drug-resistant patients, compared to newly diagnosed patients and to normal age-related controls. We suggest the possible use of PBR as a peripheral marker of drug response.

Keywords:  Peripheral benzodiazepine receptors, Epilepsy, Anticonvulsant drugs, Lymphocytes, Drug resistance

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PII: S0920-1211(97)01035-8

Epilepsy Research
Volume 27, Issue 3 , Pages 181-185, June 1997

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