Original Article

Effects of microiontophoretically-applied opioid peptides on Purkinje cells in the cat cerebellum

Kyoji Taguchi, Kenji Abe, Touichiro Chyuma, Masatoshi Kato, Toshiro Shigenaga, Kazuki Kushida, Toshiyuki Chikuma

Abstract

"AIM:
The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of microiontophoretically-applied opioid peptides on Purkinje cell of the cerebellum.
METHODS:
The effects of microiontophoretically-applied morphine, leucine-enkephalin (Leu-Enk), methionine-enkephalin (Met-Enk), and dynorphin 1-13 (Dyn) on the spontaneous discharge of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum of the anesthetized cat were examined.
RESULTS:
Microiontophoretic applications of Leu-Enk and morphine produced inhibitory and excitatory responses, respectively in Purkinje cells. Application of both morphine and Leu-Enk induced dose-dependent responses. The excitatory responses were antagonized by naloxone, whereas the inhibitory responses were not. Bicuculline, a GABA-A antagonist, completely abolished both the Leu-Enk- and morphine-induced-inhibitory responses. Iontophoretic application of Met-Enk and dyn produced inhibitory responses only. Met-enk- and dyn-induced inhibition was antagonized by naloxone.
CONCLUSION:
In Purkinje cell activity, microiontophoretically applied Leu-Enk- and morphine-induced excitation is connected with opiate receptors, whereas inhibition is related to the GABA receptor. However, Met-Enk and dyn produced only inhibitory effects via an opiate receptor in the cerebellum of cats."
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