Diazepam-Induced Down-Regulation of the GABA receptor α1 Subunit, as mediated by the activation of L-Type Voltage-Gated calcium Channel/Ca/Protein kinase a signaling cascade.

Benzodiazepines are among the most prescribed drug class worldwide to treat disorders such as anxiety, insomnia, muscle spasticity, and convulsive disorders, and to induce presurgical sedation. Although benzodiazepines exhibit a high therapeutic index and low toxicity in short-term treatments, prolonged administration induces tolerance to most of their therapeutic actions. The mechanism of this tolerance remains unclear.