The actions of taurine on the solubilized GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex were investigated, and the results compared to those obtained with detergent-treated membrane-bound receptors. The receptor complex of adult rat brain was solubilized with Triton X-100 or CHAPS (3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulphonate). The properties of the solubilized GABA and flunitrazepam binding sites were similar to those in washed brain membranes. Taurine displaced GABA from its receptor sites and inhibited GABA stimulation of flunitrazepam binding to receptor complexes solubilized with Triton X-100. Thus the modulatory action of taurine on the receptor complex in washed membrane preparations was well preserved after this solubilization. No specific taurine binding to either Triton- or CHAPS-solubilized sample could be demonstrated.