Behavioral effects of modulators of ATP-sensitive K+ channels in the rat dorsal pallidum.

The effects of the potent ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker glipizide were measured on the locomotor activity of rats after bilateral intracerebral administration into the dorsal pallidum. Glipizide (10 pmol) was found to reduce spontaneous locomotor activity measured during the night cycle of the rats, whereas the ATP-sensitive K+ channel activator (-)-cromakalim (5 fmol) enhanced spontaneous locomotor activity. Glipizide (0.5, 2.5 and 10 pmol) was also found to depress noticeably d-amphetamine-induced locomotor activity (1 mg/kg s.c.). These results are in agreement with the idea that ATP-dependent potassium channels within the dorsal pallidum are involved in controlling motor activity in the rat.