Abstract
Using dissociated spiral ganglion cell cultures obtained from 3-day-old rat cochlea, we investigated the response of auditory neurones to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) using patch-clamp techniques. In our recording conditions, GABA elicited inward currents in > 95% of the neurones which reversed around 0 mV. Similar inward currents were measured using isoguvacin, a specific agonist of GABA(A) receptors. GABA-gated currents were reversibly inhibited by the channel blocker picrotoxin and the GABA competitive antagonist bicuculline. These functional GABA(A) receptors are characterized by an insensitivity to benzodiazepines and a relatively high sensitivity to β-carbolines and barbiturates. These results show that the GABA(A) receptor pharmacological properties of spiral ganglion neurones are close to those of cerebellar granule cells.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 591-596 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Neuroreport |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 1997 |
Keywords
- afferent auditory neurones
- benzodiazepines
- GABA(A) receptor
- patch-clamp
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neuroscience(all)