Blockade of retinal NMDA receptors by sodium nitroprusside is probably due to nitric oxide formation

Jpn J Pharmacol. 1993 Apr;61(4):375-7. doi: 10.1254/jjp.61.375.

Abstract

Effects of a nitric oxide (NO)-producing agent, sodium nitroprusside, on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation in the cultured retinal neurons of rats were examined. NMDA in a Mg(2+)-free medium evoked inward currents at the resting membrane potential. Inward currents were also evoked by kainate. Sodium nitroprusside markedly reduced the NMDA-induced currents without affecting those induced by kainate. These results suggest the possible existence of a negative feed back system of NO which serves to regulate the activation of NMDA receptors in retinal neurons.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Kainic Acid / pharmacology
  • Membrane Potentials / drug effects
  • N-Methylaspartate / pharmacology
  • Neurons / drug effects
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism*
  • Nitroprusside / pharmacology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Rats
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / metabolism
  • Retina / cytology
  • Retina / drug effects
  • Retina / metabolism*

Substances

  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
  • Nitroprusside
  • Nitric Oxide
  • N-Methylaspartate
  • Kainic Acid