Potentiation of NMDA Receptors by AT1 Angiotensin Receptor Activation in Layer V Pyramidal Neurons of the Rat Prefrontal Cortex

NMDA receptors in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) play a crucial role in cognitive functions. Previous research has indicated that angiotensin II (Ang II) affects learning and memory. This study aimed to examine how Ang II impacts NMDA receptor activity in layer V pyramidal cells of the rat PFC. Whole-cell patch-clamp experiments were performed in pyramidal cells in brain slices of 9-12-day-old rats. NMDA (30 μM) induced inward currents. Ang II (0.001-1 µM) significantly enhanced NMDA currents in about 40% of pyramidal cells. This enhancement was reversed by the AT₁ antagonist eprosartan (1 µM), but not by the AT₂ receptor antagonist PD 123319 (5 μM). When pyramidal neurons were synaptically isolated, the increase in NMDA currents due to Ang II was eliminated. Additionally, the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390 (10 μM) reversed the Ang II-induced enhancement, whereas the D2 receptor antagonist sulpiride (20 μM) had no effect. The potentiation of NMDA currents in a subpopulation of layer V pyramidal neurons by Ang II, involving AT1 receptor activation and dopaminergic signaling, may serve as an underlying mechanism for the effects of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) elements on neuronal functions.