SELECTIVE BLOCKADE OF N-METHYL-D-ASPARTATE RECEPTOR FUNCTION BY THE NITRIC-OXIDE DONOR, NITROPRUSSIDE

The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated component of the synaptic response of cerebellar granule cells to mossy fibre stimulation was selectively inhibited by the nitric oxide (NO) donor, nitroprusside (nitroferricyanide). The direct depolarisation of granule cells induced by perfusion of NMDA was similarly reduced. However, these effects are unlikely to be caused by NO because, inter alia, they could not be replicated by other NO donors whereas ferricyanide was similarly effective.