[Effect of application of oxytocin on neurons of Helix pomatia: depolarization effects].

Depolarization of the neuronal membrane in the snail neurons induced by oxytocin application to the soma of these neurons have been examined under voltage clamp conditions. Replacement of external chloride by HEPES led to an increase its amplitude and a shift of its current-voltage characteristic in the depolarizing direction. External application of furosemide inhibited the current evoked by oxytocin application. Extracellular application of theophylline increased its amplitude. Imidazole, tolbutamide and temperature decrease had an opposite effect on this current. It is suggested that the surface membrane of some snail neurons probably possesses oxytocin receptors whose activation leads to the increase of its chloride permeability. This process is probably mediated through the system of cyclic nucleotides.