Physiological role of Ca(2+)-activated and voltage-dependent K+ currents in rabbit coronary myocytes

1994 ◽  
Vol 266 (6) ◽  
pp. C1523-C1537 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Leblanc ◽  
X. Wan ◽  
P. M. Leung
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Cell Voltage ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Physiological Level ◽  
Steady State Current ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
A Minor ◽  
And Function

The properties and function of Ca(2+)-activated K+ (KCa) and voltage-dependent K+ (IK) currents of rabbit coronary myocytes were studied under whole cell voltage-clamp conditions (22 degrees C). Inhibition of KCa by tetraethylammonium chloride (1-10 mM) or charybdotoxin (50-100 nM) suppressed noisy outward rectifying current elicited by 5-s voltage steps or ramp at potentials > 0 mV, reduced the hump of the biphasic ramp current-voltage relation, and shifted by less than +5 mV the potential at which no net steady-state current is recorded (Enet; index of resting membrane potential). Inhibition of steady-state inward Ca2+ currents [ICa(L)] by nifedipine (1 microM) displaced Enet by -11 mV. Analysis of steady-state voltage dependence of IK supported the existence of a "window" current between -50 and 0 mV. 4-Aminopyridine (2 mM) blocked a noninactivating component of IK evoked between -30 and -40 mV, abolished the hump current during ramps, and shifted Enet by more than +15 mV; hump current persisted during 2-min ramp depolarizations and peaked near the maximum overlap of the steady-state activation and inactivation curves of IK (about -22 mV). A threefold rise in extracellular Ca2+ concentration (1.8-5.4 mM) enhanced time-dependent outward K+ current (6.7-fold at +40 mV) and shifted Enet by -30 mV. It is concluded that, under steady-state conditions, IK and ICa(L) play a major role in regulating resting membrane potential at a physiological level of intracellular Ca2+ concentration, with a minor contribution from KCa. However, elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration enhances KCa and hyperpolarizes the myocyte to limit Ca2+ entry through ICa(L).

scholarly journals Current- and Voltage-Clamped Studies on Myxicola Giant Axons

1969 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
pp. 730-740 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Binstock ◽  
L. Goldman
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Action Potential ◽  
Voltage Clamp ◽  
Transient Current ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Action Potential Amplitude ◽  
Giant Axons ◽  
Potential Amplitude ◽  
Steady State Current

A new dissection procedure for preparing Myxicola giant axons for observation under voltage clamp is described. Preparation time is generally 40–45 min. 65–70% of the preparations attempted may be brought through the entire procedure, including insertion of the long internal electrode, and support an initial action potential amplitude of 100 mv or greater. Mean values for axon diameter, resting membrane potential, action potential amplitude, maximum peak inward transient current, and resting membrane resistance are 560 µ, —66.5 mv, 112 mv, 0.87 ma/cm2 and 1.22 KΩ cm 2 respectively. Cut branches do not seem to be a problem in this preparation. Behavior under voltage clamp is reasonably stable over several hours. Reductions in maximum inward transient current of 10% and in steady-state current of 5–10% are expected in the absence of any particular treatment. Tetrodotoxin blocks the action potential and both the inward and outward transient current, but has no effect on either the resting membrane potential or the steady-state current. This selective action of tetrodotoxin on the transient current is taken as an indication that this current component is probably carried by Na.

Characterization of K+ Currents Underlying Pacemaker Potentials of Fish Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Cells

1999 ◽  
Vol 81 (2) ◽  
pp. 643-653 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hideki Abe ◽  
Yoshitaka Oka
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Potential Range ◽  
Releasing Hormone ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
Pacemaker Potentials ◽  
Low Threshold

Characterization of K+ currents underlying pacemaker potentials of fish gonadotropin-releasing hormone cells. Endogenous pacemaker activities are important for the putative neuromodulator functions of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-immunoreactive terminal nerve (TN) cells. We analyzed several types of voltage-dependent K+ currents to investigate the ionic mechanisms underlying the repolarizing phase of pacemaker potentials of TN-GnRH cells by using the whole brain in vitro preparation of fish (dwarf gourami, Colisa lalia). TN-GnRH cells have at least four types of voltage-dependent K+currents: 1) 4-aminopyridine (4AP)-sensitive K+current, 2) tetraethylammonium (TEA)-sensitive K+ current, and 3) and 4) two types of TEA- and 4AP-resistant K+ currents. A transient, low-threshold K+ current, which was 4AP sensitive and showed significant steady-state inactivation in the physiological membrane potential range (−40 to −60 mV), was evoked from a holding potential of −100 mV. This current thus cannot contribute to the repolarizing phase of pacemaker potentials. TEA-sensitive K+ current evoked from a holding potential of −100 mV was slowly activating, long lasting, and showed comparatively low threshold of activation. This current was only partially inactivated at steady state of −60 to −40 mV, which is equivalent to the resting membrane potential. TEA- and 4AP-resistant sustained K+ currents were evoked from a holding potential of −100 mV and were suggested to consist of two types, based on the analysis of activation curves. From the inactivation and activation curves, it was suggested that one of them with low threshold of activation may be partly involved in the repolarizing phase of pacemaker potentials. Bath application of TEA together with tetrodotoxin reversibly blocked the pacemaker potentials in current-clamp recordings. We conclude that the TEA-sensitive K+ current is the most likely candidate that contributes to the repolarizing phase of the pacemaker potentials of TN-GnRH cells.

scholarly journals The interplay of seven subthreshold conductances controls the resting membrane potential and the oscillatory behavior of thalamocortical neurons

2014 ◽  
Vol 112 (2) ◽  
pp. 393-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yimy Amarillo ◽  
Edward Zagha ◽  
German Mato ◽  
Bernardo Rudy ◽  
Marcela S. Nadal
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Computational Model ◽  
Potassium Current ◽  
Brain Slices ◽  
Reversal Potential ◽  
Burst Firing ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Cationic Current ◽  
Steady State Current

The signaling properties of thalamocortical (TC) neurons depend on the diversity of ion conductance mechanisms that underlie their rich membrane behavior at subthreshold potentials. Using patch-clamp recordings of TC neurons in brain slices from mice and a realistic conductance-based computational model, we characterized seven subthreshold ion currents of TC neurons and quantified their individual contributions to the total steady-state conductance at levels below tonic firing threshold. We then used the TC neuron model to show that the resting membrane potential results from the interplay of several inward and outward currents over a background provided by the potassium and sodium leak currents. The steady-state conductances of depolarizing Ih (hyperpolarization-activated cationic current), IT (low-threshold calcium current), and INaP (persistent sodium current) move the membrane potential away from the reversal potential of the leak conductances. This depolarization is counteracted in turn by the hyperpolarizing steady-state current of IA (fast transient A-type potassium current) and IKir (inwardly rectifying potassium current). Using the computational model, we have shown that single parameter variations compatible with physiological or pathological modulation promote burst firing periodicity. The balance between three amplifying variables (activation of IT, activation of INaP, and activation of IKir) and three recovering variables (inactivation of IT, activation of IA, and activation of Ih) determines the propensity, or lack thereof, of repetitive burst firing of TC neurons. We also have determined the specific roles that each of these variables have during the intrinsic oscillation.

Bethanidine increases one type of potassium current and relaxes aortic muscle

1988 ◽  
Vol 66 (6) ◽  
pp. 731-736 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Bkaily ◽  
J.-P. Caillé ◽  
M. D. Payet ◽  
M. Peyrow ◽  
R. Sauvé ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Vascular Smooth Muscle ◽  
Potassium Current ◽  
Single Cells ◽  
Rabbit Aorta ◽  
Cell Voltage ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Delayed Rectifier ◽  
Voltage Dependent

Using a whole-cell voltage-clamp technique, we identified two time- and voltage-dependent K+ currents: an early outward rectifier and a delayed outward rectifier in single vascular smooth muscle cells of rabbit aorta in culture. About 90% of the single cells tested showed a predominant delayed outward K+ current type. Both K+ currents were decreased by tetraethylammonium. In contrast, bethanidine sulphate (10−4 M), a pharmacological analog of the cardiac antifibrillatory drug, bretylium tosylate, decreased the early outward K+ current, increased the delayed rectifier K+ current type, and hyperpolarized the resting membrane potential. Bethanidine was found to relax vascular smooth muscle. The vasodilatory effect of bethanidine is associated with the activation of a K+ current that is probably involved in keeping the membrane potential at the resting state, thereby depressing the excitability of the aortic vascular smooth muscle.

Voltage-dependent modulation of GABAA receptor channel desensitization in rat hippocampal neurons

1994 ◽  
Vol 71 (6) ◽  
pp. 2151-2160 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. W. Yoon
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Hippocampal Neurons ◽  
Membrane Conductance ◽  
Cell Voltage ◽  
Chloride Conductance ◽  
Membrane Voltage ◽  
Hippocampal Cell Culture ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
Agonist Concentration ◽  
Rate Of Recovery

1. The mechanism of the time-dependent decline in gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA)-induced chloride conductance, referred to as desensitization, was studied in dissociated rat hippocampal cell culture with the use of a whole-cell voltage-clamp recording. 2. In most cells the gradual decline of membrane conductance was dependent simultaneously on the agonist concentration and membrane voltage. Even in the continued presence of GABA, desensitization could be prevented by holding the membrane potential > 0 mV in a near symmetrical chloride gradient across the cell membrane. 3. The “recovery” from desensitization occurred after removal of the agonist with a time constant of approximately 35 s. The rate of recovery from desensitization was independent of membrane voltage. 4. When the membrane potential was jumped from a negative to a positive membrane potential during steady state of desensitization, the GABA-induced chloride conductance gradually “relaxed” to the undesensitized state. This phenomenon of gradual increase in chloride conductance or “reactivation” from desensitization was both voltage and agonist dependent. 5. The process of recovery of the GABA ionophore from the desensitized state is distinct from the process of reactivation, which is dependent both on the voltage and agonist. 6. These observations suggest that the ligand-bound GABA receptor has two alternate states, i.e., permissive (activated) and desensitized. The rates of transition between these two states are voltage dependent.

scholarly journals The hyperpolarization-activated current shifts the dynamic range of a voltage-dependent electrical synapse

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wolfgang Stein ◽  
Margaret DeMaegd ◽  
Lena Yolanda Braun ◽  
Andrés G Vidal-Gadea ◽  
Allison L Harris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Motor Neuron ◽  
Axon Terminal ◽  
Voltage Dependence ◽  
Dynamic Range ◽  
Complex Dynamics ◽  
Ionic Current ◽  
Electrical Synapse ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Voltage Dependent

Like their chemical counterparts, electrical synapses show complex dynamics such as rectification and voltage dependence that interact with other electrical processes in neurons. The consequences arising from these interactions for the electrical behavior of the synapse, and the dynamics they create, remain largely unexplored. Using a voltage-dependent electrical synapse between a descending modulatory projection neuron (MCN1) and a motor neuron (LG) in the crustacean stomatogastric ganglion, we find that the influence of the hyperpolarization-activated inward current (Ih) is critical to the function of the electrical synapse. When we blocked Ih with CsCl, the voltage dependence of the electrical synapse shifted by 18.7 mV to more hyperpolarized voltages, placing the dynamic range of the electrical synapse outside of the range of voltages used by the LG motor neuron (-60.2 mV to -44.9 mV). With dual electrode current- and voltage-clamp recordings, we demonstrate that this voltage shift is due to a sustained effect of Ih on the presynaptic MCN1 axon terminal membrane potential. Ih-induced depolarization of the axon terminal membrane potential increased the electrical postsynaptic potentials and currents. With Ih present, the axon terminal resting membrane potential depolarized, shifting the dynamic range of the electrical synapse towards the functional range of the motor neuron. We thus demonstrate that the function of an electrical synapse is critically influenced by a voltage-dependent ionic current (Ih).

Membrane depolarization in PC-12 cells during hypoxia is regulated by an O2-sensitive K+ current

1996 ◽  
Vol 271 (2) ◽  
pp. C658-C665 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. H. Zhu ◽  
L. Conforti ◽  
M. F. Czyzyk-Krzeska ◽  
D. E. Millhorn
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Reversal Potential ◽  
Outward Current ◽  
Cell Voltage ◽  
Membrane Depolarization ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Current Clamp ◽  
Pc 12 Cells ◽  
Current Voltage ◽  
K Current

The effects of hypoxia on K+ current (IK), resting membrane potential, and cytosolic free Ca2+ in rat pheochromocytoma (PC-12) cells were studied. Whole cell voltage- and current-clamp experiments were performed to measure IK and membrane potential, respectively. Cytosolic free Ca2+ level was measured using the Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescent dye fura 2. Depolarizing voltage steps to +50 mV from a holding potential of -90 mV elicited a slowly inactivating, tetraethylammonium chloride-sensitive, and Ca(2+)-insensitive IK that was reversibly inhibited by reduced O2 tension. Graded reduction in PO2 (from 150 to 0 mmHg) induced a graded inhibition of O2-sensitive IK [IK(O2)] up to 46% at 0 mmHg. Moreover, hypoxia induced a 19-mV membrane depolarization and a twofold increase in cytosolic free Ca2+. In Ca(2+)-free condition, inhibition of IK(O2) induced an 8-mV depolarization, suggesting that inhibition of IK(O2) was responsible for initiating depolarization. The effect of reduced PO2 on the current-voltage relationship showed a reduction of outward current and a 14-mV shift in the reversal potential comparable with the amount of depolarization measured in current clamp experiments. Neither Ca(2+)-activated IK nor inwardly rectifying IK are responsible for the hypoxia-induced depolarization. In conclusion, PC-12 cells express an IK(O2), inhibition of which leads to membrane depolarization and increased intracellular Ca2+, making the PC-12 clonal cell line a useful model for studying the molecular and biophysical mechanisms that mediate O2 chemosensitivity.

Effects of sevoflurane on inward rectifier K+ current in guinea pig ventricular cardiomyocytes

1997 ◽  
Vol 273 (1) ◽  
pp. H324-H332 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Stadnicka ◽  
Z. J. Bosnjak ◽  
J. P. Kampine ◽  
W. M. Kwok
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Guinea Pig ◽  
Outward Current ◽  
Inward Rectifier ◽  
Equilibrium Potential ◽  
Ventricular Cardiomyocytes ◽  
Steady State Current ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
Current Activation ◽  
Extracellular Side

The effects of sevoflurane on the inward rectifier potassium current (IKIR) were examined in guinea pig ventricular cardiomyocytes using the whole cell patch-clamp methodology. Sevoflurane had a unique dual effect on the steady-state current amplitude, producing a reversible, concentration- and voltage-dependent block of the inward current at potentials negative to the potassium equilibrium potential (EK) but enhancing the outward current positive to EK. Accordingly, the steady-state conductance negative to EK was reduced by sevoflurane, but conductance positive to EK was increased. The chord conductance-voltage relationship showed depolarizing shifts at 0.7, 1.3, and 1.6 mM sevoflurane. When the myocytes were dialyzed with 10 mM Mg2+, but not with 1.0 mM Mg2+, sevoflurane further slowed current activation kinetics. With 10 mM intracellular Mg2+, the outward current enhancement by sevoflurane and the associated shifts in half-activation potential were abolished. Polyamines abolished all effects of sevoflurane on IKIR. With the use of the Woodhull model for voltage-dependent block, we determined the sevoflurane interaction site with the inward rectifier potassium channel to be at an electrical distance of 0.2 from the extracellular side.

scholarly journals Decreased neuronal excitability in hippocampal neurons of mice exposed to cyclic hypoxia

2001 ◽  
Vol 91 (3) ◽  
pp. 1245-1250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiang Q. Gu ◽  
Gabriel G. Haddad
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Hippocampal Neurons ◽  
Neuronal Excitability ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Ca1 Neurons ◽  
Recovery From Inactivation ◽  
Channel Expression ◽  
Steady State Inactivation ◽  
And Function

To study the physiological effects of chronic intermittent hypoxia on neuronal excitability and function in mice, we exposed animals to cyclic hypoxia for 8 h daily (12 cycles/h) for ∼4 wk, starting at 2–3 days of age, and examined the properties of freshly dissociated hippocampal neurons in vitro. Compared with control (Con) hippocampal CA1 neurons, exposed (Cyc) neurons showed action potentials (AP) with a smaller amplitude and a longer duration and a more depolarized resting membrane potential. They also have a lower rate of spontaneous firing of AP and a higher rheobase. Furthermore, there was downregulation of the Na+ current density in Cyc compared with Con neurons (356.09 ± 54.03 pA/pF in Cyc neurons vs. 508.48 ± 67.30 pA/pF in Con, P < 0.04). Na+ channel characteristics, including activation, steady-state inactivation, and recovery from inactivation, were similar in both groups. The deactivation rate, however, was much larger in Cyc than in Con (at −100 mV, time constant for deactivation = 0.37 ± 0.04 ms in Cyc neurons and 0.18 ± 0.01 ms in Con neurons). We conclude that the decreased neuronal excitability in mice neurons treated with cyclic hypoxia is due, at least in part, to differences in passive properties (e.g., resting membrane potential) and in Na+ channel expression and/or regulation. We hypothesize that this decreased excitability is an adaptive response that attempts to decrease the energy expenditure that is used for adjusting disturbances in ionic homeostasis in low-O2conditions.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document