Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
7
pubmed:dateCreated
2009-4-6
pubmed:abstractText
It is largely accepted that an activation of the dopaminergic system underlies the recreational and convivial effects of ethanol. However, the mechanisms of action of this drug on the dopaminergic neurons are not fully understood yet. In the present study, we have used intracellular electrophysiological techniques (current and single-electrode voltage-clamp) to investigate the actions of ethanol on the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)(B)-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) in rat midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Ethanol (10-200 mM) augmented, in a concentration-dependent and reversible manner, the amplitude of the GABA(B)-IPSP. In addition, the GABA(B) agonist baclofen generated G-protein-gated inward rectifying K(+) channels (GIRK)-related membrane hyperpolarizations/outward currents that were potentiated by ethanol. The potentiating effect of ethanol persisted in tetrodotoxin (TTX)-treated neurons, suggesting a postsynaptic site of action. These effects of ethanol were not changed by manipulating adenyl cyclase, protein kinases and phospholipase C activity, or by chelating intracellular Ca(2+) with EGTA. Interestingly, the outward current caused by the intracytoplasmatic diffusion of the irreversible G-protein activator GTPgammaS was transiently enhanced by ethanol. Our observations suggest that the action of ethanol occurs on activated GIRK channels downstream of the GABA(B) receptors. These enhancing effects of ethanol on GABA(B)-induced synaptic responses could modulate alcohol intake and the altered mental and motor performance of individuals in an acute intoxicative phase.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Apr
pubmed:issn
1460-9568
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Electronic
pubmed:volume
29
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
1369-77
pubmed:dateRevised
2010-11-18
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed-meshheading:19309316-Animals, pubmed-meshheading:19309316-Central Nervous System Depressants, pubmed-meshheading:19309316-Dendrites, pubmed-meshheading:19309316-Dopamine, pubmed-meshheading:19309316-Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, pubmed-meshheading:19309316-Ethanol, pubmed-meshheading:19309316-G Protein-Coupled Inwardly-Rectifying Potassium Channels, pubmed-meshheading:19309316-GABA-B Receptor Agonists, pubmed-meshheading:19309316-Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potentials, pubmed-meshheading:19309316-Male, pubmed-meshheading:19309316-Membrane Potentials, pubmed-meshheading:19309316-Mesencephalon, pubmed-meshheading:19309316-Neurons, pubmed-meshheading:19309316-Patch-Clamp Techniques, pubmed-meshheading:19309316-Rats, pubmed-meshheading:19309316-Rats, Wistar, pubmed-meshheading:19309316-Receptors, GABA-B, pubmed-meshheading:19309316-Synapses, pubmed-meshheading:19309316-Synaptic Transmission
pubmed:year
2009
pubmed:articleTitle
Ethanol enhances GABAB-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic transmission on rat midbrain dopaminergic neurons by facilitating GIRK currents.
pubmed:affiliation
Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Fondazione Santa Lucia - IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, In Vitro, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't