Reversal of Inhibition of Putative Dopaminergic Neurons of the Ventral Tegmental Area: Interaction of GABA(B) and D2 Receptors

Neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are critical in the rewarding and reinforcing properties of drugs of abuse. Desensitization of VTA neurons to moderate extracellular concentrations of dopamine (DA) is dependent on protein kinase C (PKC) and intracellular calcium levels. This desensitization is called DA inhibition reversal, as it requires concurrent activation of D2 and D1-like receptors; activation of D2 receptors alone does not result in desensitization. Activation of other G-protein-linked receptors can substitute for D1 activation. Like D2 receptors, GABA(B) receptors in the VTA are coupled to G-protein-linked potassium channels. In the present study, we examined interactions between a GABA(B) agonist, baclofen, and dopamine agonists, dopamine and quinpirole, to determine whether there was some interaction in the processes of desensitization of GABA(B) and D2 responses. Long-duration administration of baclofen alone produced reversal of the baclofen-induced inhibition indicative of desensitization, and this desensitization persisted for at least 60 min after baclofen washout. Desensitization to baclofen was dependent on PKC. Dopamine inhibition was reduced for 30 min after baclofen-induced desensitization and conversely, the magnitude of baclofen inhibition was reduced for 30 min by long-duration application of dopamine, but not quinpirole. These results indicate that D2 and GABA(B) receptors share some PKC-dependent mechanisms of receptor desensitization.