This study examined the modulatory influence exerted by GABA(B) receptors on the transmission of cutaneous afferent input to cuneate nucleus neurons in anesthetized cats. Electrical stimulation at the center of a receptive field activated cuneate nucleus cells at latencies of < or = 7 ms whereas stimulation at neighboring sites (receptive field edge) increased the response latency. Extracellular recording combined with microiontophoresis demonstrated that GABA(B) receptors are tonically active. Blockade of GABA(B) receptors prolonged sensory-evoked response durations and decreased times of occurrence of successive bursts whereas the agonist baclofen suppressed both these effects. Ejection of baclofen delayed the evoked response from the receptive field edge with respect to the receptive field center response and inhibited responses from the receptive field edge more effectively than responses from the receptive field center. From these results it is concluded that activation of GABA(B) receptors precludes cuneate cells from reaching firing threshold when afferent inputs are weak, spatially modulate cuneate nucleus excitability, play a major role in temporal pattern of discharges, and shape cutaneous receptive fields.