SummaryNeutral ω-amino acids were applied iontophoretically in the hypoglossus nucleus. Intracellular recordings revealed inhibitory actions involving hyperpolarization and conductance increase of the membrane. The antidromic field potential was reduced most effectively by glycine, as judged by the comparison of iontophoretic currents. Picrotoxin, ejected electrophoretically, clearly interfered with the action of GABA, glycine effects being reduced only with rather high currents. Strychnine had very specific blocking ability against glycine actions.

Glycine effectively reduces antidromic field potential in the hypoglossus nucleus, while strychnine specifically blocks glycine actions, with picrotoxin interfering with GABA.

Effects of glycine and GABA, and blocking actions of strychnine and picrotoxin in the hypoglossus nucleus

Key Takeaway: Glycine effectively reduces antidromic field potential in the hypoglossus nucleus, while strychnine specifically blocks glycine actions, with picrotoxin interfering with GABA.