ABSTRACT
The effects of low protein [8%]-high carbohydrate [80%] [LP-HC] diet on the properties of peripheral benzodiazepine receptors [PBRs] were evaluated Rats were fed LP-HC diet for 36 weeks. At the end of this period, PBRs were determined in the heart and kidney using radioligand assays with the selective antagonist [3H]PKI 1195. PBRs density and affinity were significantly different between the treatment group and its control group. The heart and kidney showed higher PBRs binding density [Bmax] concomitant with lower affinity than the control rats. The findings of this study and their implications in clarifying the mechanism[s] underlying some of the pharmacological effects of LP-HC diet and the possible role for PBRs in mediating these effects are presented