A voltage-clamp analysis of NMDA-induced responses on dopaminergic neurons of the rat substantia nigra zona compacta and ventral tegmental area.
The effects of NMDA-receptor activation on dopaminergic neurons of the rat substantia nigra zona compacta and ventral tegmental area were studied by using in vitro intracellular electrophysiological recordings (current and voltage-clamp). NMDA depolarized the membrane and increased the firing activity. A voltage-dependent inward current and a reduction of the apparent input conductance were observed in voltage-clamp experiments. Interestingly, the peak amplitude of the inward current occurred at approximately -60 mV. The NMDA-induced responses were reduced by the application of DL-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV). The NMDA-induced current was unaffected by potassium channel blockers, was present in low-sodium solutions or in solutions treated with TTX; but was reduced or blocked in low-calcium solutions containing cobalt. In addition, no reduction of the apparent input conductance was observed either in the solutions without magnesium or in those with low-sodium. Our data indicate that the activation of NMDA receptors produces a powerful excitatory stimulus on the dopaminergic neurons of the ventral mesencephalon and this may be primarily the result of a voltage-dependent influx of calcium ions. The degeneration of the dopaminergic cells after application of neurotoxins may be explained by their peculiar response to NMDA.
Mercuri
N B
NB
Clinica Neurologica, II Università di Roma, Italy.
Stratta
F
F
Calabresi
P
P
Bernardi
G
G
D015763:2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000494:pharmacology; D004298:Dopamine / Q000502:physiology*; D004553:Electric Conductivity / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D016202:N-Methylaspartate / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012964:Sodium / Q000494:pharmacology; D013378:Substantia Nigra / Q000502:physiology*; D013681:Tegmentum Mesencephali / Q000502:physiology*; D013779:Tetrodotoxin / Q000494:pharmacology
D013779:Tetrodotoxin; D016202:N-Methylaspartate; D015763:2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate; D012964:Sodium; D002118:Calcium; D004298:Dopamine