Abstract: Intracellular recordings were made from toad dorsal root ganglion(DRG)associated with sciatic nerve(Sc)and dorsal root(Dr)in vitro. Action potentials(AP)of DRG neurons were evoked by stimulation of Sc and(or)Dr and effects of local GABA perfusion on the evoked potentials were observed. The AP′s amplitude and duration were significantly reduced and prolonged, respectively,as the DRG was perfused with GABA solution. Its after-hyperpolarization and frequency following ability were increased and decreased, respectively under the GABA perfusion. These results indicate that GABA may exert its inhibitory role in synaptic transmission in the DRG via its receptors on the cell body of DRG neurons.

Key words: spinal ganglion neurons, GABA, GABA receptors, synaptic transmission