Differential effects of baclofen and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on rat piriform cortex pyramidal neurons in vitro

1. The effects of baclofen and GABA on rat piriform cortex neurons were investigated electrophysiologically using a brain slice preparation. 2. At resting potential GABA depolarized and baclofen hyperpolarized the cell, probably through activation of Cl and K conductances acting at GABA and GABA receptors, respectively. 3. The GABA receptors were concentrated on the apical and basal dendrites near the cell body, while the baclofen-sensitive GABA receptors were concentrated particularly on the basal dendrites. 4. The different distributions of receptor localization must have functional consequences which remain to be elucidated. © 1990 Plenum Publishing Corporation.