Effects of central GABAB receptor modulation upon the milk ejection reflex in the rat

In order to investigate the role of central GABAB receptors in the control of the milk ejection reflex, we have examined the effects of third ventricular and bilateral supraoptic nucleus (SON) injections of a GABAB receptor agonist (baclofen) and antagonist (hydroxy-saclofen) on the milk ejection reflex in the urethane-anaesthetised rat. In addition, microdialysis studies have evaluated whether the activation of GABAB receptors in the SON is able to modulate the release of GABA and glutamate, two major neurotransmitters involved in the regulation of the milk ejection reflex. Intracerebroventricular injections of baclofen (n = 9) in doses of 10, 50 and 100 pmol inhibited the milk ejection reflex in a dose-dependent manner, without affecting the electroencephalogram or attenuating the intramammary pressure response to intravenous injection of 0.5 mU exogenous oxytocin. Hydroxy-saclofen given into the third ventricle in doses of 100 pmol (n = 2) and 500 pmol (n = 4) did not modify the pattern of the milk ejection reflex. Bilateral SON microinfusions of baclofen in doses of 80 (n = 2) and 200 pmol (n = 4) did not modify the pattern of the milk ejection reflex. In microdialysis experiments (n = 8), inclusion of baclofen into the microdialysate at a concentration of 500 microM had no effect upon basal or potassium-stimulated GABA and glutamate outflow. These results show that the activation of GABAB receptors located outside, but not within, the SON are capable of inhibiting the milk ejection reflex. In contrast to our previous findings regarding the GABAA receptor, we found no evidence for a tonic role of GABAB receptors within the neural network inducing the periodic synchronous bursting of oxytocin neurons during suckling.