Inhibitory and Excitatory Synaptic Neuroadaptations in the diazepam tolerant brain

Benzodiazepine (BZ) drugs treat seizures, anxiety, insomnia, and alcohol withdrawal by potentiating γ2 subunit containing GABA type A receptors (GABAARs). BZ clinical use is hampered by tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, which include heightened seizure susceptibility, panic, and sleep disturbances. Here, we undergo a comprehensive investigation of inhibitory GABAergic and excitatory glutamatergic plasticity in mice tolerant to benzodiazepine sedation. Using quantitative proteomics approaches, we reveal cortex neuroadaptations of key pro-excitatory mediators and synaptic plasticity pathways, highlighted by Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CAMKII), MAPK, and PKC signaling.