A powerful GABA(B) receptor-mediated inhibition of GABAergic neurons in arcuate nucleus

Edward J. Wagner, Martha A. Bosch, Martin J. Kelly, Oline K. Rønnekleiv

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

We combined histofluorescence with in situ hybridization to identify GABAergic neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) following electrophysiological recording, using GAD65 as a marker. Intracellular recordings 91 were made in hypothalamic slices prepared from ovariectomized guinea pigs. Over 90% of ARC neurons tested with the GABA(B) receptor agonist baclofen responded with a membrane hyperpolarization or an outward current. The hyperpolarization was dose dependent, and the GABA(B) receptor antagonist CGP 35,348 produced a rightward shift in the agonist dose-response curve. Agonist potency was lower, and the efficacy greater, in GAD-positive neurons. The use of this novel technique for identifying GABAergic neurons thus reveals differences in the pharmacodynamics of GABA(B) receptor activation between GABAergic and non-GABAergic ARC neurons.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2681-2687
Number of pages7
JournalNeuroReport
Volume10
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 20 1999

Keywords

  • Arcuate nucleus
  • Electrophysiology
  • Glutamic acid decarboxylase
  • In situ hybridization
  • Potassium conductance
  • γ-Aminobutyric acid

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

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