The effects of microiontophoretically applied D-L, acetylcarnitine on single neurones in the rat brainstem.

D-L, Acetylcarnitine was applied microiontophoretically to neurones in the brainstem of the rat, to evaluate its possible effects. The results support the hypothesis that D-L, acetylcarnitine acts on the neuronal membrane, producing selective excitatory responses of the neurones examined. The possible role of this substance at the single neurone level is discussed in relation to the results obtained by investigating the interaction between D-L, acetylcarnitine and neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serotonin and noradrenaline.