[Participation of NMDA receptors in spontaneous burst firing of dopaminergic mesencephalic neurons].

In the rat, somatodendritic application of the NMDA antagonist AP-5, within the Substantia Nigra Zona Compacta and Ventral Tegmental Area, either by micro-iontophoresis or pressure ejection, reduces burst firing of dopamine neurons. Similar local application of the non-NMDA antagonist CNQX does not affect their firing pattern. These results indicate that, in vivo, excitatory amino acid afferents participate through NMDA receptors in the control of the spontaneous burst firing of midbrain dopamine neurons.