The selective NK3 receptor agonist senktide excites a subpopulation of dopamine-sensitive neurones in the rat substantia nigra pars compacta in vitro.

Intra- and extracellular recordings were made from substantia nigra zona compacta neurones from an in vitro rat brain slice preparation. A subpopulation of dopamine-sensitive neurones were encountered which were potently excited by bath application of the NK3 receptor agonist, senktide. On these senktide-sensitive neurones, NK1 and NK2 receptor agonists were inactive. The excitatory action of senktide supports a role for tachykinins as putative neurotransmitters in the basal ganglia.