Sustained enhancement of NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic potential by isoproterenol in rat amygdalar slices

Brain Res. 1992 Oct 30;594(2):331-4. doi: 10.1016/0006-8993(92)91146-6.

Abstract

The effect of isoproterenol (Iso) on synaptic transmission mediated by the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors (EPSPNMDA) was investigated in slices of rat amygdala using intracellular recording techniques. EPSPNMDA was isolated pharmacologically by application of a solution containing the non-NMDA receptor antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX, 10 microM) and GABAA receptor blocker bicuculline (20 microM). Superfusion of Iso (15 microM) produced a long-lasting enhancement of EPSPNMDA. Pretreatment the slices with propranolol (10 microM) completely prevented the effect of Iso confirming the mediation by beta-adrenergic receptors. These results provide the direct evidence for adrenergic modulation of excitatory amino acid neurotransmission in the vertebrate central nervous system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 6-Cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione
  • Amygdala / drug effects*
  • Animals
  • Bicuculline / pharmacology
  • Evoked Potentials / drug effects
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Isoproterenol / pharmacology*
  • Membrane Potentials / drug effects
  • Propranolol / pharmacology
  • Quinoxalines / pharmacology
  • Rats
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / drug effects*
  • Synapses / drug effects*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Quinoxalines
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
  • 6-Cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione
  • Propranolol
  • Isoproterenol
  • Bicuculline