Xylazine-evoked depression of rat cerebral cortical neurons: a pharmacological study

1. Iontophoretic application of the veterinary tranquilizer xylazine suppressed the spontaneous firing of 134/137 neurons tested, an effect not antagonized by adenosine receptor and alpha-adrenergic receptor blocking agents. 2. Depressions in neuronal activity evoked by norepinephrine, gamma-aminobutyric acid or adenosine failed to be potentiated by xylazine. 3. However, the excitatory effects of acetylcholine and glutamate were both inhibited by xylazine. 4. Thus, the depressant effect of locally applied xylazine may involve a decrease in the excitability of the neuronal membrane.