Direct evidence for the presence of GABAA receptors on the cytoplasmic side of the Deiters' neurone membrane

A newly developed micromethod has been used for studying the rate of passage of 36Cl- ions across single nerve membranes from rabbit Deiters' neurones. The application of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on the cytoplasmic side of those membranes increases the rate of passage of 36Cl- ions from that side to the other one across the membrane. The maximal effect is exerted by 10(-6) M GABA and it fades at higher neurotransmitter concentrations (10(-5) M to 3.3 x 10(-3) M). The cause of this fading of the effect appears to be a receptor desensitization phenomenon. The 10(-6) M GABA effect is reversed by both 10(-4) M picrotoxin and 10(-5) M bicuculline. The overall pattern of the data indicates the presence of GABAA receptors on the cytoplasmic side of these nerve membranes.