Abstract
Effects of arginine-vasopressin (AVP) on neurons in the central amygdaloid nucleus (ACe) were investigated with rat brain slice preparations using extracellular recording methods. Of 160 ACe neurons tested, 70 cells (44%) were excited and 9 cells (6%) were inhibited by bath application of AVP at 3 X 10-7 M. The excitatory effects of AVP were dose-dependent and the threshold concentration was approximately 10-10 to 10-9 M. The excitatory effects of AVP persisted under blockade of synaptic transmission by perfusing with Ca2+-free and high-Mg2+ medium, whereas the inhibitory effects were abolished by synaptic blockade. AVP-induced effects were mimicked by a V1-receptor agonist and completely blocked by a selective V1- antagonist. V2-agonist produced no effects on ACe neurons and V2-antagonist had no effect on AVP-induced excitation. These results showed that the excitatory effect of AVP on ACe neurons was produced by a direct action through the V1-receptors, whereas the inhibitory response of ACe neurons to AVP seemed to be produced by an indirect action. The results of this study suggest that AVP is involved in the amygdala-relevant functions as a neurotransmitter or a neuromodulator.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 266-272 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Brain Research |
Volume | 768 |
Issue number | 1-2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Sep 12 1997 |
Keywords
- Amygdala
- Brain slice
- Central amygdaloid nucleus
- Neuron activity
- Vasopressin
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neuroscience(all)
- Molecular Biology
- Clinical Neurology
- Developmental Biology