A voltage-clamp analysis of NMDA-induced responses on dopaminergic neurons of the rat subtantia nigra zona compacta and ventral tegmental area

The effects of NMDA-receptor activation on dopaminergic neurons of the rat substantia nigra zona compacta and ventral tegmental area were studied by using in vitro intracellular electrophysiological recordings (current and voltage-clamp). NMDA depolarized the membrane and increased the firing activity. A voltage-dependent inward current and a reduction of the apparent input conductance were observed in voltage-clamp experiments. Interestingly, the peak amplitude of the inward current occurred at approximately - 60 mV. The NMDA-induced responses were reduced by the application of dl-2-amino-5-phophonovaleric acid (APV). The NMDA-induced current was unaffected by potassium channel blockers, was present in low-sodium solutions or in solutions treated with TTX; but was reduced or blocked in low-calcium solutions containing cobalt. In addition, no reduction of the apparent input conductance was observed either in the solutions without magnesium or in those with low-sodium. Our data indicate that the activation of NMDA receptors produces a powerful excitatory stimulus on the dopaminergic neurons of the ventral mesencephalon and this may be primarily the result of a voltage-dependent influx of calcium ions. The degeneration of the dopaminergic cells after application of neurotoxins may be explained by their peculiar response to NMDA.