A presynaptic locus of the action of Met-enkephalin demonstrated in mouse spinal cord cultures |
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| Authors: | M Jia P G Nelson |
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| Institution: | Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892. |
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| Abstract: | Monosynaptic excitatory post-synaptic potentials (EPSPs) evoked in spinal cord (SC) neurons by stimulation of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in cell cultures were reduced by perfusion application of the opiate peptide, Met-enkephalin (2-4 microM). In about 2/3 of cases examined, EPSPs evoked by stimulation of spinal cord cells were also reduced by Met-enkephalin. The effects were antagonized by concomitant perfusion with naloxone (1-2 microM) and recovered when perfusion with Met-enkephalin was stopped. Statistical analysis of synaptic responses indicated that the reduction of EPSP amplitude was due, at least to a major extent, to a decrease in presynaptic transmitter release. |
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