Abstract
We examined the role of specific excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptors in synaptic transmission within the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN) using whole cell patch-recording techniques in a slice preparation. Two types of excitatory postsynaptic responses were observed. The first involved the contribution of non-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which mediated a fast component, and NMDA receptors, which governed the late component of the excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC). The second EPSC response was mediated solely by non-NMDA receptors. Both EPSC responses reversed near 0 mV. The fast component of the EPSC was attenuated by the non-NMDA antagonists [6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX), 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX), and 6-nitro-7-sulfamobenzoquinoxaline-2-3,-dione (NBQX)]. The late component was reduced by D,L-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV) and augmented in Mg(2+)-free external medium. EPSCs mediated solely by non-NMDA receptors were completely blocked by CNQX and NBQX but not affected by APV or Mg(2+)-free external medium. EPSCs were also markedly attenuated by the metabotropic-receptor agonist, trans-(1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (trans-ACPD). We concluded that intra-LPBN stimulation causes the synaptic release of glutamate, which depolarizes LBPN neurons via non-NMDA and NMDA receptors. We also provide evidence that glutamate can negatively influence its own release via action on presynaptic metabotropic receptors.
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