Presence of benzodiazepine-like molecules in mammalian brain and milk.

From bovine cerebral cortex extracts, used to isolate n-butyl beta carboline-3-carboxylate (8), fractions active in displacing [3H] flunitrazepam binding were purified and shown to contain benzodiazepine-like molecules. These were recognized by UV spectra, retention time in HPLC, and interaction with a specific monoclonal antibody. Such molecules were localized in synaptic vesicles and cytosol of synaptosomes. Similar molecules were also found in cow milk. The possible dietary origin of these benzodiazepine-like molecules is discussed.