Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate and Norepinephrine: Effects on Transmembrane Properties of Cerebellar Purkinje Cells

Electrical properties of Purkinje cells were recorded by intracellular microelectrode during extracellular electrophoretic application of gamma aminobutyrate, norepinephrine, cyclic adenosine monophosphate, and dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate. All these substances hyperpolarized Purkinje cells. Transmembrane resistance decreased during gamma aminobutyrate hyperpolarization. In contrast, norepinephrine and the cyclic nucleotides generally elevated resistance. These results show that cyclic nucleotides mimic the unique effects of norepinephrine on the bioelectric properties of neuronal membranes.