Effects of β-adrenergic receptor stimulation on the resting holding current of medial prefrontal cortex pyramidal neurons in young rats.

While the expression of β-adrenergic receptors is firmly established in adipose, kidney and heart tissue, their expression and function in the brain remains unclear despite their potential role in depression and stress-related disorders. This study aimed to investigate the expression of β-adrenoreceptors and their involvement in the mechanism controlling the resting holding current in layer V medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) pyramidal neurons in young rats. Applications of the selective β-adrenergic receptor agonists BRL 37344 and SR 58611 A evoked inward currents in the tested neurons. The inward currents evoked by BRL 37344 or noradrenaline (a nonselective physiological adrenergic receptor agonist) were prevented or decreased, respectively, by the selective β-receptor antagonist L-748,337. Western blot and fluorescence immunohistochemistry analyses revealed β-adrenergic receptor protein expression in the mPFC. Thus, based on the results obtained here, functional β-adrenergic receptors are expressed in layer V mPFC pyramidal neurons and their activation evokes inward currents.