The selective NK3 receptor agonist senktide excites a subpopulation of dopamine‐sensitive neurones in the rat substantia nigra pars compacta in vitro

Abstract

Intra‐ and extracellular recordings were made from substantia nigra zona compacta neurones from an in vitro rat brain slice preparation. A subpopulation of dopamine‐sensitive neurones were encountered which were potently excited by bath application of the NK3 receptor agonist, senktide. On these senktide‐sensitive neurones, NK1 and NK2 receptor agonists were inactive. The excitatory action of senktide supports a role for tachykinins as putative neurotransmitters in the basal ganglia. 1992 British Pharmacological Society