Gap junction channel gating at bass retinal electrical synapses

1996 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1049-1057 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chengbiao Lu ◽  
Douglas G. McMahon
Keyword(s):  
Time Constant ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Single Channel ◽  
Horizontal Cells ◽  
Electrical Synapses ◽  
Dependent Inactivation ◽  
Current Voltage ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
Current Voltage Relationship ◽  
Voltage Relationship

AbstractTo further characterize the properties of retinal horizontal cell electrical synapses, we have studied the gating characteristics of gap junctions between cone-driven horizontal cells from the hybrid striped bass retina using double whole-cell voltage-clamp techniques. In a total of 105 cell pairs, the macroscopic conductance ranged from 0.4–100 nS with most cell pairs exhibiting junctional conductances between 10 and 30 nS. The junctional current-voltage relationship showed that peak or instantaneous currents (Iinst) were linear within the Vj range of ±100 mV and that steady-state junctional currents (Iss) exhibited rectification with increasing voltage beginning around ±30–40 mV Vj. The normalized junctional current-voltage relationship was well fit by a two-state Boltzmann distribution, with an effective gating charge of 1.9 charges/channel, a half-maximal voltage of approximately ±55 mV, and a normalized residual conductance of 0.28. The decay of junctional current followed a single exponential time course with the time constant decreasing with increasing Vj. Recovery of junctional current from voltage-dependent inactivation takes about 1 s following a pulse of 80 mV, and is about five times slower than the inactivation time course at the same Vj. Single-channel analysis showed that the unitary conductance of junctional channels is 50–70 pS. The overall open probability decreased in a voltage-dependent manner. Both the mean channel open time and the frequency of channel opening decreased, while the channel closure time increased. The ratio of closed time/total recording time significantly increased as Vj increased. Increased Vj reduced the number of events at all levels and shifted the unitary conductance to a lower level. Kinetic analysis of channel open duration showed that the distribution of channel open times was best fit by two exponentials and increased Vj significantly reduced the slower time constant. These results indicate that bass retina horizontal cells exhibit voltage-dependent inactivation of macroscopic junctional current. The inactivation occurs at the single-channel level mainly by increasing the rate of closure of voltage-sensitive channels.

Electrical coupling of retinal horizontal cells mediated by distinct voltage-independent junctions

1999 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 811-818 ◽  
Author(s):  
CHENGBIAO LU ◽  
DAO-QI ZHANG ◽  
DOUGLAS G. McMAHON
Keyword(s):  
Single Channel ◽  
Lucifer Yellow ◽  
Horizontal Cell ◽  
Electrical Coupling ◽  
Cell Voltage ◽  
Horizontal Cells ◽  
Simultaneous Application ◽  
Dependent Inactivation ◽  
Cellular Junctions ◽  
Voltage Dependent

Electrical coupling between H2 horizontal cell pairs isolated from the hybrid bass retina was studied using dual whole-cell, voltage-clamp technique. Voltage-dependent inactivation of junctional currents in response to steps in transjunctional voltage (Vj) over a range of ±100 mV was characterized for 89 cell pairs. Approximately one-quarter of the pairs exhibited strongly voltage-dependent junctions (>50% reduction in junctional current at ±100 mV), another quarter of the pairs exhibited voltage-independent junctional current (<5% reduction at ±100 mV), and the remainder of the pairs exhibited intermediate values for voltage inactivation. We focused on further characterizing the Vj-independent junctions of horizontal cells, which have not been described previously in detail. When Lucifer Yellow dye was included in one recording pipette, pairs exhibiting Vj-independent coupling showed no (9/12), or limited (3/12), passage of dye. Vj-independent coupling was markedly less sensitive to the modulators SNP (100–300 μM, −9% reduction in coupling) and dopamine (100–300 μM, −6%) than were Vj-dependent junctions (−45% and −44%). However, simultaneous application of both SNP and dopamine significantly reduced Vj-independent coupling (−56%). Both Vj-independent and Vj-dependent junctions were blocked by DMSO (1–2%), but Vj-independent junctions were not blocked by heptanol. Single-channel junctional conductances of Vj-independent junctions range from 112–180 pS, versus 50–60 pS for Vj-dependent junctions. The results reveal that Vj-independent coupling in a subpopulation of horizontal cells from the hybrid bass retina is mediated by cellular junctions with physiological and pharmacological characteristics distinct from those previously described in fish horizontal cells.

Excitatory Synaptic Currents in Lumbosacral Parasympathetic Preganglionic Neurons Evoked by Stimulation of the Dorsal Commissure

2003 ◽  
Vol 89 (1) ◽  
pp. 382-389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akira Miura ◽  
Masahito Kawatani ◽  
William C. De Groat
Keyword(s):  
Time Constant ◽  
Decay Time ◽  
Fast Component ◽  
Time To Peak ◽  
Current Voltage ◽  
Current Voltage Relationship ◽  
Voltage Relationship ◽  
Stimulation Of

Excitatory pathways from the dorsal commissure (DCM) to L6–S1 parasympathetic preganglionic neurons (PGN) were examined using whole-cell patch-clamp recording techniques in spinal cord slices from neonatal rats. PGN were identified by retrograde axonal transport of a fluorescent dye injected into the intraperitoneal space. Excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) were evoked in PGN by stimulation of DCM in the presence of bicuculline methiodide (10 μM) and strychnine (1 μM) to block inhibitory pathways. Electrical stimulation of DCM evoked two types of inward currents. In the majority of PGN ( n = 66), currents (mean amplitude, 47.9 ± 4.7 pA) occurred at a short and relatively constant latency (3.8 ± 0.1 ms) and presumably represent monosynaptic EPSCs (Type 1). However, in other neurons ( n = 20), a different type of EPSC (Type 2) was noted, consisting of a fast monosynaptic component followed by a prolonged inward current with superimposed fast transients presumably representing excitatory inputs mediated by polysynaptic pathways. Type 1 EPSCs were pharmacologically dissected into two components. A fast component was blocked by 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX, 5μM) and a slowly decaying component was blocked by 2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (APV, 50 μM). The fast component of Type 1 EPSCs had a linear current-voltage relationship and reversed at a membrane potential of −7.6 ± 1.3 mV ( n = 5). The fast component of Type 2 EPSCs was also blocked by 5 μM CNQX and the remaining slower component was blocked by 50 μM APV. When the DCM was stimulated in the presence of 50 μM APV, the time to peak and decay time constant in Type 1 EPSCs were 1.9 ± 0.2 and 4.1 ± 0.8 ms, respectively. Examination of the NMDA receptor-mediated component of the EPSCs in the presence of 5 μM CNQX revealed a current-voltage relationship that had a region of negative slope conductance (from −20 to −80 mV), which was abolished in Mg2+-free external solution. The time to peak and decay time constant of this component were 14.2 ± 2.0 and 91.0 ± 12.4 ms, respectively. Type 1 EPSCs in some PGN responded in an all-or-none manner and presumably represented unitary synaptic responses; whereas Type 2 EPSCs always exhibited a graded stimulus intensity–response relationship. Paired-pulse facilitation (50-ms interstimulus intervals; 141 ± 5.6% increase, n = 8) of EPSCs was observed. These results indicate that PGN receive monosynaptic and polysynaptic glutamatergic excitatory inputs from neurons and/or axonal pathways in the DCM.

scholarly journals Volume-Dependent Atp-Conductive Large-Conductance Anion Channel as a Pathway for Swelling-Induced Atp Release

2001 ◽  
Vol 118 (3) ◽  
pp. 251-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ravshan Z. Sabirov ◽  
Amal K. Dutta ◽  
Yasunobu Okada
Keyword(s):  
Single Channel ◽  
Atp Release ◽  
Anion Channel ◽  
Time Dependent ◽  
Whole Cell ◽  
Dependent Inactivation ◽  
Current Voltage ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
Cell Current ◽  
Whole Cell Current

In mouse mammary C127i cells, during whole-cell clamp, osmotic cell swelling activated an anion channel current, when the phloretin-sensitive, volume-activated outwardly rectifying Cl− channel was eliminated. This current exhibited time-dependent inactivation at positive and negative voltages greater than around ±25 mV. The whole-cell current was selective for anions and sensitive to Gd3+. In on-cell patches, single-channel events appeared with a lag period of ∼15 min after a hypotonic challenge. Under isotonic conditions, cell-attached patches were silent, but patch excision led to activation of currents that consisted of multiple large-conductance unitary steps. The current displayed voltage- and time-dependent inactivation similar to that of whole-cell current. Voltage-dependent activation profile was bell-shaped with the maximum open probability at −20 to 0 mV. The channel in inside-out patches had the unitary conductance of ∼400 pS, a linear current-voltage relationship, and anion selectivity. The outward (but not inward) single-channel conductance was suppressed by extracellular ATP with an IC50 of 12.3 mM and an electric distance (δ) of 0.47, whereas the inward (but not outward) conductance was inhibited by intracellular ATP with an IC50 of 12.9 mM and δ of 0.40. Despite the open channel block by ATP, the channel was ATP-conductive with PATP/PCl of 0.09. The single-channel activity was sensitive to Gd3+, SITS, and NPPB, but insensitive to phloretin, niflumic acid, and glibenclamide. The same pharmacological pattern was found in swelling-induced ATP release. Thus, it is concluded that the volume- and voltage-dependent ATP-conductive large-conductance anion channel serves as a conductive pathway for the swelling-induced ATP release in C127i cells.

scholarly journals Acetylcholine-induced current in perfused rat myoballs.

1980 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 297-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Horn ◽  
M S Brodwick
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Striated Muscle ◽  
Membrane Surface ◽  
Reversal Potential ◽  
Neonatal Rat ◽  
Resting Potential ◽  
Current Voltage ◽  
Current Voltage Relationship ◽  
Voltage Relationship

Spherical "myoballs" were grown under tissue culture conditions from striated muscle of neonatal rat thighs. The myoballs were examined electrophysiologically with a suction pipette which was used to pass current and perfuse internally. A microelectrode was used to record membrane potential. Experiments were performed with approximately symmetrical (intracellular and extracellular) sodium aspartate solutions. The resting potential, acetylcholine (ACh) reversal potential, and sodium channel reversal potential were all approximately 0 mV. ACh-induced currents were examined by use of both voltage jumps and voltage ramps in the presence of iontophoretically applied agonist. The voltage-jump relaxations had a single exponential time-course. The time constant, tau, was exponentially related to membrane potential, increasing e-fold for 81 mV hyperpolarization. The equilibrium current-voltage relationship was also approximately exponential, from -120 to +81 mV, increasing e-fold for 104 mV hyperpolarization. The data are consistent with a first-order gating process in which the channel opening rate constant is slightly voltage dependent. The instantaneous current-voltage relationship was sublinear in the hyperpolarizing direction. Several models are discussed which can account for the nonlinearity. Evidence is presented that the "selectivity filter" for the ACh channel is located near the intracellular membrane surface.

scholarly journals Voltage- and time-dependent action of histrionicotoxin on the endplate current of the frog muscle.

1978 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 351-367 ◽  
Author(s):  
L M Masukawa ◽  
E X Albuquerque
Keyword(s):  
Time Course ◽  
Ionic Channel ◽  
Time Dependent ◽  
Peak Amplitude ◽  
Endplate Current ◽  
Current Voltage ◽  
Initial Activation ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Current Voltage Relationship ◽  
Voltage Relationship

Histrionicotoxin, a toxin isolated from skin secretions of a Colombian arrow poison frog, Dendrobates histrionicus, decreased the amplitude and time-course of the endplate current, and altered the voltage dependence of the half-decay time. In addition, the toxin produced a characteristic nonlinearity in the current-voltage relationship of the endplate current when 3-s voltage conditioning steps were used. Reduction in time of the conditioning steps to 10 ms made the current-voltage relationship linear. The decrease in peak amplitude of the endplate current (epc) produced by histrionicotoxin measured during long hyperpolarizing conditioning steps was fitted by a single exponential function. The calculated rate constants ranged from 0.03 to 0.14 s-1 and varied with membrane potential at hyperpolarizing levels. The voltage- and time-dependent action of histrionicotoxin does not require an initial activation of receptors by acetylcholine (ACh). The characteristic of the current-voltage relationship can be accounted for by the observed voltage and time dependency of the attenuation of the endplate current amplitude in the presence of histrionicotoxin during long conditioning steps. These effects of histrionicotoxin on the peak amplitude, and on the voltage and time dependence of the epc were concentration-dependent and slowly reversible upon washing out the toxin. Thus, the voltage- and time-dependent action of histrionicotoxin at the endplate is related to an increase in the affinity between the toxin and the ACh receptor-ionic channel complex. This increase in affinity is postulated to be due to a conformational change of the macromolecule in the presence of histrionicotoxin which is demonstrated to be relatively slow, i.e., on the order of tens of seconds.

Inward-rectifying potassium channels in rat hepatocytes

1989 ◽  
Vol 256 (6) ◽  
pp. G1028-G1035 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. M. Henderson ◽  
J. Graf ◽  
J. L. Boyer
Keyword(s):  
Single Channel ◽  
Rat Hepatocytes ◽  
Common Finding ◽  
Inward Rectification ◽  
Patch Clamp Technique ◽  
Isolated Rat Hepatocytes ◽  
Whole Cell ◽  
Current Voltage ◽  
Current Voltage Relationship ◽  
Voltage Relationship

The patch-clamp technique has been used to investigate single-channel and whole cell conductances in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes. Whole cell experiments, with high (144 mM) intracellular and extracellular potassium as the principal conductive species, show some variation between cells in the current-voltage relationship (mean whole-cell conductance at physiological potentials being 2.7 nS). This may suggest functional heterogeneity of cells. The most common finding is that the current-voltage relationship shows inward rectification. This is reflected in cell-attached single-channel recordings in which channels displaying strong inward rectification and K+ selectivity are seen. The channels show a mean inward conductance (with 144 mM potassium in the pipette) of 44 pS and an outward conductance of 23 pS. The open probability is not voltage dependent, and the channels do not exhibit calcium dependence. The channels are quite different from others described in hepatocytes, but they show marked similarities to channels recently described in renal epithelial cells. Current-voltage relationships in the whole cell mode exhibit an increase in slope conductance at large hyperpolarizing and depolarizing potentials.

Human fetal central neurons in culture: voltage- and ligand-gated currents

1995 ◽  
Vol 74 (5) ◽  
pp. 1889-1899 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. W. Sah
Keyword(s):  
Current Density ◽  
Potassium Current ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Voltage Dependence ◽  
Sodium Current ◽  
Sodium Currents ◽  
Current Voltage ◽  
Channel Currents ◽  
Current Voltage Relationship ◽  
Voltage Relationship

1. The functional properties of sodium, potassium, calcium, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), kainate, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) currents were studied in dissociated monolayer cultures of fetal human brain neurons, using the whole cell patch-clamp technique. 2. Sodium currents were characterized with respect to the following properties: current density, voltage dependence of activation, voltage dependence of inactivation, and sensitivity to tetrodotoxin (TTX). All sodium currents exhibited voltage dependencies of activation and inactivation, and sensitivities to TTX that are characteristic of the neuronal form of the sodium current. 3. At least two types of potassium current were present, resembling the delayed rectifier and fast-inactivating potassium current. These two types of potassium current were distinguishable by their different kinetics, voltage dependencies of activation and inactivation, and sensitivities to 4-aminopyridine and tetraethylammonium. 4. High-voltage-activated calcium channel currents were present and were characterized with respect to current density, voltage dependencies of activation and inactivation, and sensitivity to cadmium. Low-voltage-activated calcium channel currents were also present. 5. NMDA- and kainate-gated currents were studied with respect to current density, time course, and current-voltage relationship. Kainate currents were also characterized with respect to inhibition by 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX). In addition, NMDA and kainate responses were compared for cortical versus cerebellar neurons. NMDA responses, which are only found in neurons, were present, confirming the neuronal phenotype suggested by the presence of the neuronal form of the sodium current. Nondesensitizing kainate currents were also present, with a half-maximally effective concentration (EC50) of approximately 200 microM for kainate; CNQX inhibited the kainate current with a half-inactivating concentration of 0.55 microM. 6. GABA-gated currents were characterized with respect to current density, time course, receptor subtype, desensitization, dose response, current-voltage relationship, ionic selectivity, pharmacology, and potentiation by the neurosteroid 5 alpha-pregnan-3 alpha-ol-11,20-dione (alfaxalone). Desensitizing GABAA currents were selective for chloride, inhibited by bicuculline and tert-butyl-bicyclophosphorothionate, and potentiated by diazepam, pentobarbital sodium, and alfaxalone. The EC50 for GABA was 15 microM.

P-type Ca2+ current in crayfish peptidergic neurones

1999 ◽  
Vol 202 (4) ◽  
pp. 429-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. García-Colunga ◽  
R. Valdiosera ◽  
U. García
Keyword(s):  
Time Course ◽  
Divalent Cations ◽  
Constant Field ◽  
Voltage Range ◽  
Current Voltage ◽  
Boltzmann Function ◽  
P Type ◽  
Current Voltage Relationship ◽  
Voltage Relationship ◽  
Ca2 Channels

Inward Ca2+ current through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels was recorded from freshly dissociated crayfish X-organ (XO) neurones using the whole-cell voltage-clamp technique. Changing the holding potential from −50 to −90 mV had little effect on the characteristics of the current-voltage relationship: neither the time course nor the amplitude of the Ca2+ current was affected. Inactivation of the Ca2+ current was observed over a small voltage range, between −35 and −10 mV, with half-inactivation at −20 mV. The activation of the Ca2+ current was modelled using Hodgkin-Huxley kinetics. The time constant of activation, τ m, was 568+/−66 micros at −20 mV and decreased gradually to 171+/−23 micros at 40 mV (means +/− s.e.m., N=5). The steady-state activation, m(infinity), was fitted with a Boltzmann function, with a half-activation voltage of −7.45 mV and an apparent threshold at −40 mV. The instantaneous current-voltage relationship was adjusted using the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz constant-field equation, giving a permeation of 4.95×10(−5)cm s-1. The inactivation of the Ca2+ current in XO neurones was dependent on previous entry of Ca2+. Using a double-pulse protocol, the inactivation was fitted to a U-shaped curve with a maximal inactivation of 35 % at 30 mV. The time course of the recovery from inactivation was fitted with an exponential function. The time constants were 17+/−2.6 ms for a prepulse of 10 ms and 31+/−3.2 ms for a prepulse of 20 ms. The permeability sequence of the Ca2+ channels was as follows: Ba2+&gt;Sr2+~Ca2+&gt;&gt;Mg2+. Other divalent cations blocked the Ca2+ current, and their effects were voltage-dependent; the potency of blockage was Cd2+~Zn2+&gt;&gt;Co2+~Ni2+. The peptide ω -agatoxin-IVA, a selective toxin for P-type Ca2+ channels, blocked 85 % of the Ca2+ current in XO neurones at 200 nmol l-1, but the current was insensitive to dihydropyridines, phenylalkylamines, ω -conotoxin-GVIA and ω -conotoxin-MVIIC, which are blockers of L-, N- and Q-type Ca2+ channels, respectively. From the voltage- and Ca2+-dependent kinetics, the higher permeability to Ba2+ than to Ca2+ and the higher sensitivity of the current to Cd2+ than to Ni2+, we conclude that the Ca2+ current in XO neurones is generated by high-voltage-activated (HVA) channels. Furthermore, its blockage by ω -agatoxin-IVA suggests that it is mainly generated through P-type Ca2+ channels.

Dependence of Na+-K+ pump current-voltage relationship on intracellular Na+, K+, and Cs+ in rabbit cardiac myocytes

2002 ◽  
Vol 283 (5) ◽  
pp. C1511-C1521 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter S. Hansen ◽  
Kerrie A. Buhagiar ◽  
Benjamin Y. Kong ◽  
Ronald J. Clarke ◽  
David F. Gray ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Voltage Dependence ◽  
Ventricular Myocytes ◽  
Pump Current ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Negative Slope ◽  
Current Voltage ◽  
Patch Pipette ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
Current Voltage Relationship ◽  
Voltage Relationship

To examine effects of cytosolic Na+, K+, and Cs+ on the voltage dependence of the Na+-K+ pump, we measured Na+-K+ pump current ( I p) of ventricular myocytes voltage-clamped at potentials ( V m) from −100 to +60 mV. Superfusates were designed to eliminate voltage dependence at extracellular pump sites. The cytosolic compartment of myocytes was perfused with patch pipette solutions with a Na+ concentration ([Na]pip) of 80 mM and a K+ concentration from 0 to 80 mM or with solutions containing Na+ in concentrations from 0.1 to 100 mM and K+ in a concentration of either 0 or 80 mM. When [Na]pip was 80 mM, K+ in pipette solutions had a voltage-dependent inhibitory effect on I pand induced a negative slope of the I p- V m relationship. Cs+ in pipette solutions had an effect on I p qualitatively similar to that of K+. Increases in I p with increases in [Na]pip were voltage dependent. The dielectric coefficient derived from [Na]pip- I p relationships at the different test potentials was 0.15 when pipette solutions included 80 mM K+ and 0.06 when pipette solutions were K+free.

scholarly journals Plasticity of calcium-permeable AMPA glutamate receptors in Pro-opiomelanocortin neurons

eLife ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shigetomo Suyama ◽  
Alexandra Ralevski ◽  
Zhong-Wu Liu ◽  
Marcelo O Dietrich ◽  
Toshihiko Yada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Deprivation ◽  
High Fat Diet ◽  
Receptor Complex ◽  
High Fat ◽  
Fasted State ◽  
Linear Current ◽  
Current Voltage ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Current Voltage Relationship ◽  
Voltage Relationship

POMC neurons integrate metabolic signals from the periphery. Here, we show in mice that food deprivation induces a linear current-voltage relationship of AMPAR-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in POMC neurons. Inhibition of EPSCs by IEM-1460, an antagonist of calcium-permeable (Cp) AMPARs, diminished EPSC amplitude in the fed but not in the fasted state, suggesting entry of GluR2 subunits into the AMPA receptor complex during food deprivation. Accordingly, removal of extracellular calcium from ACSF decreased the amplitude of mEPSCs in the fed but not the fasted state. Ten days of high-fat diet exposure, which was accompanied by elevated leptin levels and increased POMC neuronal activity, resulted in increased expression of Cp-AMPARs on POMC neurons. Altogether, our results show that entry of calcium via Cp-AMPARs is inherent to activation of POMC neurons, which may underlie a vulnerability of these neurons to calcium overload while activated in a sustained manner during over-nutrition.

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