Noradrenaline and potentiation in the chick brain slice.
The role of the noradrenergic system as a modulator of neurotransmission in the chick forebrain was investigated in brain slices containing the medial hyperstriatum ventrale, an area known to be involved in learning and memory. The alpha 2-agonist clonidine (20 microM) decreased the post-synaptic response to local stimulation at 0.1 Hz, while activation of beta 2 receptors increased this response. Induction of persistent potentiation following stimulation at 5 Hz was blocked by drugs (20 microM ICI 118,551; 20 microM propranolol) which showed preferential antagonistic activity at the beta 2 receptor but not by the beta 1-preferential antagonist timolol. This effect may be due to an interaction with the NMDA receptor system.
Bradley
P M
PM
Division of Neurobiology, Medical School, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Burns
B D
BD
Webb
A C
AC
D058647:Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists; D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens; D003000:Clonidine / Q000494:pharmacology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D017774:Long-Term Potentiation; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000502:physiology*; D016548:Prosencephalon / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical
D058647:Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists; D003000:Clonidine; D009638:Norepinephrine