Modulation of Corydalis tuber on Glycine-induced Ion Current in Acutely Dissociated Rat Periaqueductal Gray Neuron

This study was designed to investigate the modulation of the Corydalis tuber on glycine-activated ion current in rat periaqueductal gray (PAG) neurons. Aqueous extract from Corydalis tuber has been widely used for pain control such as dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation or amenorrhea with abdominal cramping, neuralgia, headache and gastrointestinal spasm. The PAG region of the brain is known to be involved heavily with nociception. Modulation of the Corydalis tuber on glycine-induced ion current in rat periaqueductal gray (PAG) neurons was studied by a nystatin-perforated patch-clamp technique. High concentrations of Corydalis tuber elicited ion current, which was suppressed by strychnine application. Low concentrations of Corydalis tuber reduced glycine-induced ion currents in the PAG neurons. Inhibitory action of Corydalis tuber on glycine-activated ion current was reduced by treatment with naltrexone, a non- selective opioid antagonist. Application of N-methylmalemide (NEM), a sulfhydryl alkylating agent, also reduced the inhibitory action of Corydalis tuber on glycine-activated ion current in the PAG neurons. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of Corydalis tuber on glycine-activated ion current in the PAG neurons is one of the analgesic mechanisms of the Corydalis tuber, which may activate descending pain control system in PAG neurons.