Chronic dopamine depletion augments the functional expression of K-ATP channels in the rat subthalamic nucleus

► NMDA evokes K-ATP currents in rat subthalamic nucleus (STN) neurons. ► STN neurons were recorded in slices from rats treated with 6-OHDA. ► NMDA evoked more outward current in STN neurons from dopamine-depleted rats. ► NMDA inhibited firing rate in slices from 6-OHDA-treated but not normal rats. ► We conclude that dopamine deficiency up-regulates functional K-ATP expression.