Les endozépines, ligands endogènes des récepteurs des benzodiazépines

Abstract

Because of their anxiolytic, sedative and myo-relaxant properties, benzodiazepines are among the most commonly used drugs in clinical practice. The actions of benzodiazepines are mediated by two classes of receptors i.e. receptors associated with the GABA(A-) chloride channel complex also named central-type benzodiazepine receptors and receptors localized in the mitochondrial membrane called peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors. The existence of binding sites for benzodiazepines has suggested the existence of endogenous ligands capable of interacting with either central or peripheral type benzodiazepine receptors. This hypothesis has led to the dicovery of a family of regulatory peptides named endozepines which displace diazepam from its neuronal binding sites and exert a wide range of biological activities.