The selective NK3 receptor agonist senktide excites a subpopulation of dopamine-sensitive neurones in the rat substantia nigra pars compacta in vitro

Br J Pharmacol. 1992 Jan;105(1):3-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.1992.tb14199.x.

Abstract

Intra- and extracellular recordings were made from substantia nigra zona compacta neurones from an in vitro rat brain slice preparation. A subpopulation of dopamine-sensitive neurones were encountered which were potently excited by bath application of the NK3 receptor agonist, senktide. On these senktide-sensitive neurones, NK1 and NK2 receptor agonists were inactive. The excitatory action of senktide supports a role for tachykinins as putative neurotransmitters in the basal ganglia.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dopamine / physiology*
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Male
  • Neurons / drug effects*
  • Peptide Fragments / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Receptors, Neurotransmitter / drug effects*
  • Receptors, Tachykinin
  • Substance P / analogs & derivatives*
  • Substance P / pharmacology
  • Substance P / physiology*
  • Substantia Nigra / cytology
  • Substantia Nigra / drug effects*
  • Tachykinins

Substances

  • Peptide Fragments
  • Receptors, Neurotransmitter
  • Receptors, Tachykinin
  • Tachykinins
  • senktide
  • Substance P
  • Dopamine