Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 19, 2026

Whole-cell Currents Induced by Puff Application of GABA in Brain Slices
Published on: October 12, 2017
Excessive cerebrocortical release of acetylcholine induced by NMDA antagonists is reduced by GABAergic and
S H Kim1, M T Price, J W Olney
1Department of Neuropsychiatry, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract:
N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate (Glu) receptor antagonists (eg MK-801, ketamine, phencyclidine [PCP]) injure cerebrocortical neurons in the posterior cingulate and retrosplenial cortex (PC/RSC). We have proposed that the neurotoxic action of these agents is mediated in part by a complex polysynaptic mechanism involving an interference in GABAergic inhibition resulting in excessive release of acetylcholine (ACh). Previously we have found that the systemic injection of GABAergic agents and alpha2-adrenergic agonists can block this neurotoxicity. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that NMDA antagonists trigger release of ACh in PC/RSC and that this action of NMDA antagonists is suppressed by GABAergic agents or alpha2-adrenergic agonists. The effect of MK-801 and ketamine on PC/RSC ACh output (and the ability of pentobarbital, diazepam and clonidine to modify MK-801-induced ACh release) was studied in adult female rats using in vivo microdialysis. Both MK-801 and ketamine caused a significant rise in PC/RSC ACh output compared to basal levels. Pentobarbital, diazepam and clonidine suppressed MK-801's effect on ACh release. Exploratory studies indicated that the site of action of these agents was outside of the PC/RSC. The microdialysis results are consistent with several aspects of the circuitry proposed to mediate the neurotoxic action of NMDA antagonists.
Related Concept Videos
Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacological Actions
At the neuromuscular junction, these agents work by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, allowing it to remain bound to the receptor and bind to nearby receptors. This process leads to repetitive firing of the endplate, causing muscle...
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants
Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating sympathetic or...
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Mechanism of Action
Reversible inhibitors like edrophonium bind to a specific part of the enzyme called the anionic catalytic site. They form noncovalent bonds, which means they are not strongly attached to the enzyme. This creates a temporary and less stable enzyme–inhibitor complex, leading to...

