NK-3 receptors are expressed on mouse striatal gamma-aminobutyric acid-ergic interneurones and evoke [H-3] gamma-aminobutyric acid release

In the present study the ability of tachykinin agonists and antagonists to modulate gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) release has been correlated with ta chykinin receptor expression in the mouse striatum. Significant GABA releas e was observed when striatal slices were challenged with the NK-3 receptor agonist senktide, the selectivity of which was confirmed using the NK-3 rec eptor antagonist SR142801. In situ hybridisation revealed co-expression of NK-3 receptors with nitric oxide synthase ( NOS)/preprosomatostatin contain ing GABAergic interneurones. These findings suggest that tachykinins modula te GABA release within the striatum via interaction with NK-3 receptors on somatostatin/NOS interneurones. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.