GABA A receptor-controlled 36Cl − influx in cultured rat cerebellar granule cells

Abstract

ɣ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated and bicuculline-sensitive 36Cl − influx and bicuculline-sensitive [ 3H] GABA binding were demonstrated in cultures of rat cerebellar granule cells. The addition of 10 −5 M GABA produced a two-fold increase in 36Cl − influx over the basal level and the maximal increase was observed after approximately 20 sec. Progressive occupation of GABA A receptor by [ 3H]-(1S–9R)-bicuculline methiodide decreased 36Cl − influx activated by 10 μM GABA. The above results suggest that primary cultures of rat cerebellar granule cells provide a new and reliable model for studying the GABA activated chloride fluxes.