Opiates and Opioid Peptides Hyperpolarize Locus Coeruleus Neurons in Vitro

Abstract

Intracellular recordings were made from locus coeruleus neurons in a brain slice preparation. Opiates and opioid peptides produced a dose-dependent, stereospecific, naloxone-reversible hyperpolarization of the neuronal membrane. This was associated with an increase in membrane conductance.