[Effect of prostaglandins F2alpha and E2 on the sensitivity of rabbit cerebral cortex neurons to acetylcholine and noradrenaline]

Abstract

Effects of microiontophoretically applied prostaglandins F2 alpha and E2 on the activity pattern and sensitivity of single neurons to acetylcholine and norepinephrine were investigated in the rabbit somatosensory cortex. F2 alpha generally inhibited and E2 increased the firing rate of the neurons. F2 alpha usually changed the sensitivity of the neurons acetylcholine, while E2 realized its effects upon norepinephrine-sensitive units. F2 alpha influence on the excitatory effects of acetylcholine and E2 influence on the norepinephrine inhibition were characterized as a rule by decreasing the mediator actions or by changing the initial responses sign to the opposite one. It is assumed that prostaglandins of group F take part in cholinergic transmission while those of group E -- in the adrenergic transmission. The investigated prostaglandin action is likely to be realized by selective inhibition of the adenilate or guanilate cyclase activity with subsequent decrease in synthesis of cyclic adenosine monophosphate and cyclic guanosine monophosphate.