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A high density of binding sites for sulphonylureas is found in the substantia nigra. These binding sites may be linked to ATP-regulated K-channels (K-ATP channels) as sulphonylureas selectively inhibit these channels in pancreatic beta-cells. We have studied the effect of the sulphonylurea tolbutamide on the electrical properties of freshly isolated neurones from guinea-pig substantia nigra, using the perforated patch technique. In spontaneously firing cells, both the D2 agonist quinpirole and the GABAB agonist baclofen abolished firing, hyperpolarised the cell and increased the whole-cell conductance. Tolbutamide reversed all three effects, but was without effect in the absence of quinpirole or baclofen. We suggest that D2 and GABAB receptors activate a K-channel that is blocked by tolbutamide.

Original publication

DOI

10.1007/BF00370758

Type

Journal article

Journal

Pflugers Arch

Publication Date

06/1990

Volume

416

Pages

473 - 475

Keywords

Animals, Cell Membrane, Cell Separation, Guinea Pigs, Male, Membrane Potentials, Neurons, Receptors, Dopamine, Receptors, GABA-A, Substantia Nigra, Tolbutamide