NEURONAL LOCALIZATION OF BENZODIAZEPINE RECEPTORS IN CEREBELLUM

The cellular localisation of benzodiazepine receptors was studied. Kainic acid induced neuronal lesions (2 × 0.25-2 × 2 μg; 2-26 days in rat cerebellum decreased specific binding of [3H]flunitrazepam down to 35% of controls. Specific binding of [3H]flunitrazepam was also decreased (to 80% of controls) in the cerebellum of mutant nervous mouse (nr/nr) where Purkinje cells are degenerated but not in the mutant weaver mouse where granule cells are degenerated. These results show that benzodiazepine receptors are located mainly on neurons; both on Purkinje cells and other neurons, but not to a great extent on granule cells. © 1979.