Modulation of neuronal activity of locus coeruleus in rats induced by excitatory amino acids
Abstract
The excitatory actions on the unit activities of locus coeruleus induced by excitatory amino acids were studied. Quinolinic acid 10 nmol and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) 4 nmol icv markedly increased unit discharge of locus coeruleus neurons. The excitatory action was fully antagonized by icv 4 nmol D,L-2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid, a specific NMDA receptor antagonist. Excitatory effect induced by quinolinic acid is possibly mediated by excitatory amino acid receptors in locus coeruleus.
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