Neurotensin depolarizes substantia nigra dopamine neurones.
Neurotensin and the C-terminal 8-13 amino acid fragment were found to excite substantia nigra compacta dopamine neurones in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. The N-terminal 1-8 amino acid fragment was not active at the concentrations used. Desensitization was not observed. Intracellular recordings from the neurones responding to dopamine showed neurotensin-depolarized cells with an increase or no change in input resistance. These actions persisted in zero calcium, 8 mM magnesium artificial CSF suggesting a post-synaptic action.
D000818:Animals; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000187:drug effects; D004298:Dopamine / Q000502:physiology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D009496:Neurotensin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D011930:Reaction Time; D013378:Substantia Nigra / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
D010446:Peptide Fragments; D009496:Neurotensin; D004298:Dopamine