Modulation of Cerebral Activity Induced by α-casozepine, a Benzodiazepine-like Peptide Derived from Bovine Casein

The tryptic hydrolysate of bovine αs1-casein (CH) displays anxiolytic properties highlighted in several animal species and in humans. Unlike benzodiazepines (BZD), the most prescribed anxiolytic drugs, CH shows neither addiction, dependence, sedation nor toxicity. The search for a carrier bioactive molecule within CH led to the α-casozepine (α-CZP), a decapeptide which anxiolytic properties were confirmed in rats. Its affinity for the benzodiazepine site of the GABAA receptor has helped getting the α-CZP closer to the BZD family, despite a much lower affinity than the BZD reference diazepam. The aim of this study was to characterise the changes in the activity of the brain areas involved in the reduction of anxiety after intraperitoneal administration of α-CZP by labelling neuronal activity in mice brain, in order to characterise its mechanism of action. Swiss mice were fed with a soy-protein based diet containing no caseins, in order to prevent the presence or potential release of bioactive peptides from...