The anorectic effect of FG 7142, a partial inverse agonist at benzodiazepine recognition sites, is reversed by CGS 8216 and clonazepam but not food deprivation.

The benzodiazepine partial inverse agonist N'-methyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxamide (FG 7142; 5.0 and 10.0 mg/kg, i.p.) produced a dose-dependent reduction in the consumption of a familiar, highly palatable diet by non-food-deprived male rats. At dose levels which exhibited no significant intrinsic effects, the benzodiazepine receptor antagonist 2-phenylpyrazolo-[4,3-c]-quinoline-3(5H)-one (CGS 8216; 1.25-5.0 mg/kg, i.p.) reversed the anorectic effect of FG 7142. When clonazepam and FG 7142 were given in combination, mutual cancelling of their opposite effects occurred. These results are consistent with an action of FG 7142 at benzodiazepine recognition sites to reduce the level of palatable food consumption, and imply that a bidirectional control of food intake via benzodiazepine recognition sites can be achieved. The anorectic effect of FG 7142 was not reversed by 24-h food deprivation, indicating a possible separation from the effects of hunger mechanisms.