CARNOSINE-INDUCED INWARD CURRENTS IN RAT OLFACTORY-BULB NEURONS IN CULTURED SLICES

Olfactory neurons are rich in carnosine, which is regarded as a possib le neurotransmitter between olfactory neurons and the olfactory bulb n eurons. In the present study, we used the organotypic slice culture te chnique to culture olfactory bulb neurons and explore carnosine's role in the olfactory system. Inward current responses to carnosine upon i ncreases in membrane conductance were recorded under whole-cell voltag e-clamp conditions. The inward currents were desensitized during conti nuous application of carnosine. At carnosine concentrations above 50 m u M, the current responses increased with increases in carnosine conce ntrations. The present results suggest that carnosine serves as an exc itable neuroeffector between olfactory neurons and olfactory bulb neur ons. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.