Abstract
The effects of microinjections of 3α,5α-tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone (3α-THDOC) on single neurones of the mesencephalic reticular formation (MRF) were investigated in rats anaesthetized with urethan. Microinjections of approximately 100 nl of 0.5-2 μM 3α-THDOC inhibited firing of 105 of 112 neurones (94%). Microinjections of approximately 100 nl of 100-250 nM of 3α-THDOC did not alter neuronal activity, but in 52 of 68 cases (76%) it potentiated the inhibitory action of microiontophoretically applied γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The 3β-isomer of tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone did not elicit any changes in neuronal firing. The effects of 3α-THDOC were reversibly antagonized by microiontophoretically applied bicuculline. This 'in vivo' study supports the hypothesis that 3α-THDOC may function as endogenous modulator of GABAA-mediated inhibition in various physiopathological conditions.
Lingua originale | Inglese |
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pagine (da-a) | 115-120 |
Numero di pagine | 6 |
Rivista | Neuroscience Letters |
Volume | 104 |
Numero di pubblicazione | 1-2 |
DOI | |
Stato di pubblicazione | Pubblicato - 25 set 1989 |
Pubblicato esternamente | Sì |