Benzodiazepine receptors and seizure susceptibility in epileptic fowl.

Benzodiazepine binding to brain membrane preparations obtained from epileptic and nonepileptic carrier fowl was compared. [3H]Flunitrazepam binding to whole brain homogenates from 2-day-old chicks and [3H]diazepam binding to synaptosomal membranes and homogenates from adult chickens were determined. Scatchard analysis revealed no differences in either the number of receptors or their affinity for the ligands when the epileptics were sacrificed in the interictal state. Evoked seizures in adult epileptics had no effect on the number or affinity of binding sites using [3H]diazepam as the ligand. Moreover, the ability of gamma-aminobutyric acid to facilitate benzodiazepine binding was not different in epileptic fowl when compared with carriers.