GABA-B receptor-mediated spinal inhibition.

The intravenous administration to pentobarbitone-anaesthetized cats of the GABA-B antagonists CGP 46381 and CGP 35348 blocks the longer duration component of the inhibition of lumbar extensor monosynaptic reflexes by tetanic stimulation of low threshold flexor primary afferent fibres. GABA-B receptors thus appear to be associated with this inhibitory process, in addition to bicuculline-sensitive GABA-A receptors associated with shorter duration 'presynaptic' inhibition of reflexes and the depolarization of the terminals of primary afferent fibres.