Voltage gating of ion channels

1994 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. J. Sigworth
Keyword(s):  
Ion Channels ◽  
Action Potential ◽  
Sodium Channels ◽  
Calcium Ions ◽  
Neurotransmitter Release ◽  
Voltage Gating ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
Voltage Gated Calcium Channels ◽  
Voltage Gated Sodium Channels ◽  
Voltage Gated Ion Channels

Voltage-gated ion channels are membrane proteins that play a central role in the propagation and transduction of cellular signals (Hille, 1992). Calcium ions entering cells through voltage-gated calcium channels serve as the trigger for neurotransmitter release, muscle contraction, and the release of hormones. Voltage-gated sodium channels initiate the nerve action potential and provide for its rapid propagation because the ion fluxes through these channels regeneratively cause more channels to open.

scholarly journals Brevetoxin and Conotoxin Interactions with Single-Domain Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels from a Diatom and Coccolithophore

Marine Drugs ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 140
Author(s):  
Ping Yates ◽  
Julie A. Koester ◽  
Alison R. Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Ion Channels ◽  
Sodium Channels ◽  
Single Domain ◽  
Marine Diatom ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
Voltage Gated Sodium Channels ◽  
State Dependent ◽  
Steady State Inactivation ◽  
Outer Pore ◽  
Voltage Gated Ion Channels

The recently characterized single-domain voltage-gated ion channels from eukaryotic protists (EukCats) provide an array of novel channel proteins upon which to test the pharmacology of both clinically and environmentally relevant marine toxins. Here, we examined the effects of the hydrophilic µ-CTx PIIIA and the lipophilic brevetoxins PbTx-2 and PbTx-3 on heterologously expressed EukCat ion channels from a marine diatom and coccolithophore. Surprisingly, none of the toxins inhibited the peak currents evoked by the two EukCats tested. The lack of homology in the outer pore elements of the channel may disrupt the binding of µ-CTx PIIIA, while major structural differences between mammalian sodium channels and the C-terminal domains of the EukCats may diminish interactions with the brevetoxins. However, all three toxins produced significant negative shifts in the voltage dependence of activation and steady state inactivation, suggesting alternative and state-dependent binding conformations that potentially lead to changes in the excitability of the phytoplankton themselves.

scholarly journals Voltage-gated sodium channels in neocortical pyramidal neurons display Cole-Moore activation kinetics

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mara Almog ◽  
Tal Barkai ◽  
Angelika Lampert ◽  
Alon Korngreen
Keyword(s):  
Action Potential ◽  
Sodium Channels ◽  
Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Brain Slices ◽  
Action Potential Generation ◽  
Potential Generation ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
Voltage Gated Sodium Channels ◽  
Gating Mechanism ◽  
Cortical Pyramidal Neurons

AbstractExploring the properties of action potentials is a crucial step towards a better understanding of the computational properties of single neurons and neural networks. The voltage-gated sodium channel is a key player in action potential generation. A comprehensive grasp of the gating mechanism of this channel can shed light on the biophysics of action potential generation. Most models of voltage-gated sodium channels assume it obeys a concerted Hodgkin and Huxley kinetic gating scheme. Here we performed high resolution voltage-clamp experiments from nucleated patches extracted from the soma of layer 5 (L5) cortical pyramidal neurons in rat brain slices. We show that the gating mechanism does not follow traditional Hodgkin and Huxley kinetics and that much of the channel voltage-dependence is probably due to rapid closed-closed transitions that lead to substantial onset latency reminiscent of the Cole-Moore effect observed in voltage-gated potassium conductances. This may have key implications for the role of sodium channels in synaptic integration and action potential generation.

scholarly journals Dendritic Voltage-Gated Ion Channels Regulate the Action Potential Firing Mode of Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Neurons

1999 ◽  
Vol 82 (4) ◽  
pp. 1895-1901 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey C. Magee ◽  
Michael Carruth
Keyword(s):  
Ion Channels ◽  
Action Potential ◽  
Large Amplitude ◽  
Action Potentials ◽  
Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Burst Firing ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
Ca1 Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Firing Mode ◽  
Voltage Gated Ion Channels

The role of dendritic voltage-gated ion channels in the generation of action potential bursting was investigated using whole cell patch-clamp recordings from the soma and dendrites of CA1 pyramidal neurons located in hippocampal slices of adult rats. Under control conditions somatic current injections evoked single action potentials that were associated with an afterhyperpolarization (AHP). After localized application of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) to the distal apical dendritic arborization, the same current injections resulted in the generation of an afterdepolarization (ADP) and multiple action potentials. This burst firing was not observed after localized application of 4-AP to the soma/proximal dendrites. The dendritic 4-AP application allowed large-amplitude Na+-dependent action potentials, which were prolonged in duration, to backpropagate into the distal apical dendrites. No change in action potential backpropagation was seen with proximal 4-AP application. Both the ADP and action potential bursting could be inhibited by the bath application of nonspecific concentrations of divalent Ca2+ channel blockers (NiCl and CdCl). Ca2+ channel blockade also reduced the dendritic action potential duration without significantly affecting spike amplitude. Low concentrations of TTX (10–50 nM) also reduced the ability of the CA1 neurons to fire in the busting mode. This effect was found to be the result of an inhibition of backpropagating dendritic action potentials and could be overcome through the coordinated injection of transient, large-amplitude depolarizing current into the dendrite. Dendritic current injections were able to restore the burst firing mode (represented as a large ADP) even in the presence of high concentrations of TTX (300–500 μM). These data suggest the role of dendritic Na+ channels in bursting is to allow somatic/axonal action potentials to backpropagate into the dendrites where they then activate dendritic Ca2+ channels. Although it appears that most Ca2+ channel subtypes are important in burst generation, blockade of T- and R-type Ca2+ channels by NiCl (75 μM) inhibited action potential bursting to a greater extent than L-channel (10 μM nimodipine) or N-, P/Q-type (1 μM ω-conotoxin MVIIC) Ca2+ channel blockade. This suggest that the Ni-sensitive voltage-gated Ca2+ channels have the most important role in action potential burst generation. In summary, these data suggest that the activation of dendritic voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, by large-amplitude backpropagating spikes, provides a prolonged inward current that is capable of generating an ADP and burst of multiple action potentials in the soma of CA1 pyramidal neurons. Dendritic voltage-gated ion channels profoundly regulate the processing and storage of incoming information in CA1 pyramidal neurons by modulating the action potential firing mode from single spiking to burst firing.

scholarly journals Effect of Oxaliplatin on Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels in Peripheral Neuropathic Pain

Processes ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 680 ◽  
Author(s):  
Woojin Kim
Keyword(s):  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Action Potential ◽  
Sodium Channels ◽  
Sodium Current ◽  
Voltage Response ◽  
Treatment Schedule ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
Peripheral Neurons ◽  
Voltage Gated Sodium Channels ◽  
Current Voltage

Oxaliplatin is a chemotherapeutic drug widely used to treat various types of tumors. However, it can induce a serious peripheral neuropathy characterized by cold and mechanical allodynia that can even disrupt the treatment schedule. Since the approval of the agent, many laboratories, including ours, have focused their research on finding a drug or method to decrease this side effect. However, to date no drug that can effectively reduce the pain without causing any adverse events has been developed, and the mechanism of the action of oxaliplatin is not clearly understood. On the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) sensory neurons, oxaliplatin is reported to modify their functions, such as the propagation of the action potential and induction of neuropathic pain. Voltage-gated sodium channels in the DRG neurons are important, as they play a major role in the excitability of the cell by initiating the action potential. Thus, in this small review, eight studies that investigated the effect of oxaliplatin on sodium channels of peripheral neurons have been included. Its effects on the duration of the action potential, peak of the sodium current, voltage–response relationship, inactivation current, and sensitivity to tetrodotoxin (TTX) are discussed.

scholarly journals Recording action potential propagation in single axons using multi-electrode arrays

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth R. Tovar ◽  
Daniel C. Bridges ◽  
Bian Wu ◽  
Connor Randall ◽  
Morgane Audouard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Action Potential ◽  
Sodium Channels ◽  
Action Potentials ◽  
Extracellular Recording ◽  
Electrode Arrays ◽  
Action Potential Propagation ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
Voltage Gated Sodium Channels ◽  
Axonal Arbors

AbstractThe small caliber of central nervous system (CNS) axons makes routine study of axonal physiology relatively difficult. However, while recording extracellular action potentials from neurons cultured on planer multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) we found activity among groups of electrodes consistent with action potential propagation in single neurons. Action potential propagation was evident as widespread, repetitive cooccurrence of extracellular action potentials (eAPs) among groups of electrodes. These eAPs occurred with invariant sequences and inter-electrode latencies that were consistent with reported measures of action potential propagation in unmyelinated axons. Within co-active electrode groups, the inter-electrode eAP latencies were temperature sensitive, as expected for action potential propagation. Our data are consistent with these signals primarily reflecting axonal action potential propagation, from axons with a high density of voltage-gated sodium channels. Repeated codetection of eAPs by multiple electrodes confirmed these eAPs are from individual neurons and averaging these eAPs revealed sub-threshold events at other electrodes. The sequence of electrodes at which eAPs co-occur uniquely identifies these neurons, allowing us to monitor spiking of single identified neurons within neuronal ensembles. We recorded dynamic changes in single axon physiology such as simultaneous increases and decreases in excitability in different portions of single axonal arbors over several hours. Over several weeks, we measured changes in inter-electrode propagation latencies and ongoing changes in excitability in different regions of single axonal arbors. We recorded action potential propagation signals in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons which could thus be used to study axonal physiology in human disease models.Significance StatementStudying the physiology of central nervous system axons is limited by the technical challenges of recording from axons with pairs of patch or extracellular electrodes at two places along single axons. We studied action potential propagation in single axonal arbors with extracellular recording with multi-electrode arrays. These recordings were non-invasive and were done from several sites of small caliber axons and branches. Unlike conventional extracellular recording, we unambiguously identified and labelled the neuronal source of propagating action potentials. We manipulated and quantified action potential propagation and found a surprisingly high density of axonal voltage-gated sodium channels. Our experiments also demonstrate that the excitability of different portions of axonal arbors can be independently regulated on time scales from hours to weeks.

scholarly journals Polyunsaturated fatty acid analogues differentially affect cardiac NaV, CaV, and KV channels through unique mechanisms

eLife ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Briana M Bohannon ◽  
Alicia de la Cruz ◽  
Xiaoan Wu ◽  
Jessica J Jowais ◽  
Marta E Perez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ion Channels ◽  
Action Potential ◽  
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
Kv Channels ◽  
Cardiac Ion Channels ◽  
Induced Pluripotent ◽  
Voltage Gated Ion Channels ◽  
Ventricular Action Potential ◽  
Gated Ion Channels

The cardiac ventricular action potential depends on several voltage-gated ion channels, including NaV, CaV, and KV channels. Mutations in these channels can cause Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) which increases the risk for ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have emerged as potential therapeutics for LQTS because they are modulators of voltage-gated ion channels. Here we demonstrate that PUFA analogues vary in their selectivity for human voltage-gated ion channels involved in the ventricular action potential. The effects of specific PUFA analogues range from selective for a specific ion channel to broadly modulating cardiac ion channels from all three families (NaV, CaV, and KV). In addition, a PUFA analogue selective for the cardiac IKs channel (Kv7.1/KCNE1) is effective in shortening the cardiac action potential in human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Our data suggest that PUFA analogues could potentially be developed as therapeutics for LQTS and cardiac arrhythmia.

scholarly journals Action potential changes associated with a slowed inactivation of cardiac voltage-gated sodium channels by KB130015

2003 ◽  
Vol 139 (8) ◽  
pp. 1469-1479 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Macianskiene ◽  
V Bito ◽  
L Raeymaekers ◽  
B Brandts ◽  
K R Sipido ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Action Potential ◽  
Sodium Channels ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
Voltage Gated Sodium Channels

Sensory renal innervation: a kidney-specific firing activity due to a unique expression pattern of voltage-gated sodium channels?

2013 ◽  
Vol 304 (5) ◽  
pp. F491-F497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wolfgang Freisinger ◽  
Johannes Schatz ◽  
Tilmann Ditting ◽  
Angelika Lampert ◽  
Sonja Heinlein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Action Potential ◽  
Sodium Channels ◽  
Sensory Neurons ◽  
Firing Pattern ◽  
Drg Neurons ◽  
Action Potential Firing ◽  
Tonic Firing ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
Voltage Gated Sodium Channels ◽  
Potential Firing

Sensory neurons with afferent axons from the kidney are extraordinary in their response to electrical stimulation. More than 50% exhibit a tonic firing pattern, i.e., sustained action potential firing throughout depolarizing, pointing to an increased excitability, whereas nonrenal neurons show mainly a phasic response, i.e., less than five action potentials. Here we investigated whether these peculiar firing characteristics of renal afferent neurons are due to differences in the expression of voltage-gated sodium channels (Navs). Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons from rats (Th11-L2) were recorded by the current-clamp technique and distinguished as “tonic” or “phasic.” In voltage-clamp recordings, Navs were characterized by their tetrodotoxoxin (TTX) sensitivity, and their molecular identity was revealed by RT-PCR. The firing pattern of 66 DRG neurons (41 renal and 25 nonrenal) was investigated. Renal neurons exhibited more often a tonic firing pattern (56.1 vs. 12%). Tonic neurons showed a more positive threshold (−21.75 ± 1.43 vs.−29.33 ± 1.63 mV; P < 0.05), a higher overshoot (56.74 [53.6–60.96] vs. 46.79 mV [38.63–54.75]; P < 0.05) and longer action potential duration (4.61 [4.15–5.85] vs. 3.35 ms [2.12–5.67]; P < 0.05). These findings point to an increased presence of the TTX-resistant Navs 1.8 and 1.9. Furthermore, tonic neurons exhibited a relatively higher portion of TTX-resistant sodium currents. Interestingly, mRNA expression of TTX-resistant sodium channels was significantly increased in renal, predominantly tonic, DRG neurons. Hence, under physiological conditions, renal sensory neurons exhibit predominantly a firing pattern associated with higher excitability. Our findings support that this is due to an increased expression and activation of TTX-resistant Navs.

scholarly journals Ciliary Ca2+ pumps regulate intraciliary Ca2+ from the action potential and may co-localize with ciliary voltage-gated Ca2+ channels

2021 ◽  
Vol 224 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Junji Yano ◽  
Russell Wells ◽  
Ying-Wai Lam ◽  
Judith L. Van Houten
Keyword(s):  
Action Potential ◽  
Calcium Ions ◽  
Power Stroke ◽  
Paramecium Tetraurelia ◽  
Density Fractions ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
Calcium Pumps ◽  
Voltage Gated Calcium Channels ◽  
The Family ◽  
Ca2 Channels

ABSTRACT Calcium ions (Ca2+) entering cilia through the ciliary voltage-gated calcium channels (CaV) during the action potential causes reversal of the ciliary power stroke and backward swimming in Paramecium tetraurelia. How calcium is returned to the resting level is not yet clear. Our focus is on calcium pumps as a possible mechanism. There are 23 P. tetraurelia genes for calcium pumps that are members of the family of plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPases (PMCAs). They have domains homologous to those found in mammalian PMCAs. Of the 13 pump proteins previously identified in cilia, ptPMCA2a and ptPMCA2b are most abundant in the cilia. We used RNAi to examine which PMCA might be involved in regulating intraciliary Ca2+ after the action potential. RNAi for only ptPMCA2a and ptPMCA2b causes cells to significantly prolong their backward swimming, which indicates that Ca2+ extrusion in the cilia is impaired when these PMCAs are depleted. We used immunoprecipitations (IP) to find that ptPMCA2a and ptPMCA2b are co-immunoprecipitated with the CaV channel α1 subunits that are found only in the cilia. We used iodixanol (OptiPrep) density gradients to show that ptPMCA2a and ptPMCA2b and CaV1c are found in the same density fractions. These results suggest that ptPMCA2a and ptPMCA2b are located in the proximity of ciliary CaV channels.

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