Kv1.1-Containing Channels Are Critical for Temporal Precision During Spike Initiation

2006 ◽  
Vol 96 (3) ◽  
pp. 1203-1214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua X. Gittelman ◽  
Bruce L Tempel
Keyword(s):  
Brain Slices ◽  
Temporal Precision ◽  
Medial Nucleus ◽  
Whole Cell Patch Clamp ◽  
Latency Variability ◽  
Low Threshold ◽  
Rapid Stimulation ◽  
Spike Initiation ◽  
Selective Blocker

Low threshold, voltage-gated potassium currents ( Ikl) are widely expressed in auditory neurons that can fire temporally precise action potentials (APs). In the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB), channels containing the Kv1.1 subunit (encoded by the Kcna1 gene) underlie Ikl. Using pharmacology, genetics and whole cell patch-clamp recordings in mouse brain slices, we tested the role of Ikl in limiting AP latency-variability (jitter) in response to trains of single inputs at moderate to high stimulation rates. With dendrotoxin-K (DTX-K, a selective blocker of Kv1.1-containing channels), we blocked Ikl maximally (≈80% with 100 nM DTX-K) or partially (≈50% with 1-h incubation in 3 nM DTX-K). Ikl was similar in 3 nM DTX-K–treated cells and cells from Kcna1−/− mice, allowing a comparison of these two different methods of Ikl reduction. In response to current injection, Ikl reduction increased the temporal window for AP initiation and increased jitter in response to the smallest currents that were able to drive APs. While 100 nM DTX-K caused the largest increases, latency and jitter in Kcna1 −/ − cells and in 3 nM DTX-K–treated cells were similar to each other but increased compared with +/+. The near-phenocopy of the Kcna1−/− cells with 3 nM DTX-K shows that acute blockade of a subset of the Kv1.1-containing channels is functionally similar to the chronic elimination of all Kv1.1 subunits. During rapid stimulation (100–500 Hz), Ikl reduction increased jitter in response to both large and small inputs. These data show that Ikl is critical for maintaining AP temporal precision at physiologically relevant firing rates.

scholarly journals Role of Intrinsic Properties in Drosophila Motoneuron Recruitment During Fictive Crawling

2010 ◽  
Vol 104 (3) ◽  
pp. 1257-1266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer E. Schaefer ◽  
Jason W. Worrell ◽  
Richard B. Levine
Keyword(s):  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
High Threshold ◽  
Intrinsic Properties ◽  
Whole Cell ◽  
Whole Cell Patch Clamp ◽  
Drosophila Larvae ◽  
Low Threshold ◽  
Evoked Activity

Motoneurons in most organisms conserve a division into low-threshold and high-threshold types that are responsible for generating powerful and precise movements. Drosophila 1b and 1s motoneurons may be analogous to low-threshold and high-threshold neurons, respectively, based on data obtained at the neuromuscular junction, although there is little information available on intrinsic properties or recruitment during behavior. Therefore in situ whole cell patch-clamp recordings were used to compare parameters of 1b and 1s motoneurons in Drosophila larvae. We find that resting membrane potential, voltage threshold, and delay-to-spike distinguish 1b from 1s motoneurons. The longer delay-to-spike in 1s motoneurons is a result of the shal-encoded A-type K+ current. Functional differences between 1b and 1s motoneurons are behaviorally relevant because a higher threshold and longer delay-to-spike are observed in MNISN-1s in pairwise whole cell recordings of synaptically evoked activity during bouts of fictive locomotion.

scholarly journals Alterations in Oscillatory Behavior of Central Medial Thalamic Neurons Demonstrate a Key Role of CaV3.1 Isoform of T-Channels During Isoflurane-Induced Anesthesia

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (11) ◽  
pp. 4679-4696 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamara Timic Stamenic ◽  
Simon Feseha ◽  
Robert Valdez ◽  
Wanzhu Zhao ◽  
Jost Klawitter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Slices ◽  
Field Potential ◽  
Volatile Anesthetic ◽  
Rhythmic Activity ◽  
Oscillatory Behavior ◽  
Mouse Genetics ◽  
Thalamic Nuclei ◽  
Medial Nucleus

Abstract Although the central medial nucleus (CeM) of the thalamus is an essential part of the arousal system for sleep and anesthesia initiation, the precise mechanisms that regulate its activity are not well studied. We examined the role of CaV3.1 isoform of T-type calcium channels (T-channels) in the excitability and rhythmic activity of CeM neurons during isoflurane (ISO)-induced anesthesia by using mouse genetics and selective pharmacology. Patch-clamp recordings taken from acute brain slices revealed that CaV3.1 channels in CeM are inhibited by prototypical volatile anesthetic ISO (250 and 500 μM) and selective T-channels blocker 3,5-dichloro-N-[1-(2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-ylmethyl)-4-fluoro-piperidin-4-ylmethyl]-benzamide (TTA-P2). Both TTA-P2 and ISO attenuated tonic and burst firing modes, and hyperpolarized CeM neurons from wild type (WT) mice. These effects were greatly diminished or abolished in CaV3.1 null mice. Our ensuing in vivo local field potential (LFP) recordings from CeM indicated that the ability of TTA-P2 and anesthetic concentrations of ISO to promote δ oscillation was substantially weakened in CaV3.1 null mice. Furthermore, escalating ISO concentrations induced stronger burst-suppression LFP pattern in mutant than in WT mice. Our results demonstrate for the first time the importance of CaV3.1 channels in thalamocortical oscillations from the non-specific thalamic nuclei that underlie clinically important effects of ISO.

scholarly journals The Entorhinal Cortical Alvear Pathway Differentially Excites Pyramidal Cells and Interneuron Subtypes in Hippocampal CA1

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen A Bell ◽  
Rayne Delong ◽  
Priyodarshan Goswamee ◽  
A Rory McQuiston
Keyword(s):  
Brain Slices ◽  
Pyramidal Cells ◽  
Excitatory Input ◽  
Theta Burst Stimulation ◽  
Ca1 Pyramidal Cells ◽  
Whole Cell Patch Clamp ◽  
Hippocampal Ca1 ◽  
Physiological Impact ◽  
Theta Burst ◽  
Synaptic Responses

Abstract The entorhinal cortex alvear pathway is a major excitatory input to hippocampal CA1, yet nothing is known about its physiological impact. We investigated the alvear pathway projection and innervation of neurons in CA1 using optogenetics and whole cell patch clamp methods in transgenic mouse brain slices. Using this approach, we show that the medial entorhinal cortical alvear inputs onto CA1 pyramidal cells (PCs) and interneurons with cell bodies located in stratum oriens were monosynaptic, had low release probability, and were mediated by glutamate receptors. Optogenetic theta burst stimulation was unable to elicit suprathreshold activation of CA1 PCs but was capable of activating CA1 interneurons. However, different subtypes of interneurons were not equally affected. Higher burst action potential frequencies were observed in parvalbumin-expressing interneurons relative to vasoactive-intestinal peptide-expressing or a subset of oriens lacunosum-moleculare (O-LM) interneurons. Furthermore, alvear excitatory synaptic responses were observed in greater than 70% of PV and VIP interneurons and less than 20% of O-LM cells. Finally, greater than 50% of theta burst-driven inhibitory postsynaptic current amplitudes in CA1 PCs were inhibited by optogenetic suppression of PV interneurons. Therefore, our data suggest that the alvear pathway primarily affects hippocampal CA1 function through feedforward inhibition of select interneuron subtypes.

scholarly journals A CACNA1A variant associated with trigeminal neuralgia alters the gating of Cav2.1 channels

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eder Gambeta ◽  
Maria A. Gandini ◽  
Ivana A. Souza ◽  
Laurent Ferron ◽  
Gerald W. Zamponi
Keyword(s):  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Missense Mutation ◽  
Neurotransmitter Release ◽  
Trigeminal System ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Calcium Dependent ◽  
Whole Cell Patch Clamp ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
Dependent Inactivation

AbstractA novel missense mutation in the CACNA1A gene that encodes the pore forming α1 subunit of the CaV2.1 voltage-gated calcium channel was identified in a patient with trigeminal neuralgia. This mutation leads to a substitution of proline 2455 by histidine (P2455H) in the distal C-terminus region of the channel. Due to the well characterized role of this channel in neurotransmitter release, our aim was to characterize the biophysical properties of the P2455H variant in heterologously expressed CaV2.1 channels. Whole-cell patch clamp recordings of wild type and mutant CaV2.1 channels expressed in tsA-201 cells reveal that the mutation mediates a depolarizing shift in the voltage-dependence of activation and inactivation. Moreover, the P2455H mutant strongly reduced calcium-dependent inactivation of the channel that is consistent with an overall gain of function. Hence, the P2455H CaV2.1 missense mutation alters the gating properties of the channel, suggesting that associated changes in CaV2.1-dependent synaptic communication in the trigeminal system may contribute to the development of trigeminal neuralgia.

The effect of oestrogen withdrawal on cardiac Ca2+ regulation and the influence of GPER1

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
A.J Francis ◽  
J.M Firth ◽  
N Islam ◽  
J Gorelik ◽  
K.T MacLeod
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Funding Source ◽  
Hormonal Changes ◽  
Ion Conductance ◽  
Developing Heart ◽  
Rapid Stimulation ◽  
Post Menopausal

Abstract Background Post-menopausal women have an enhanced risk of developing heart failure, attributed to declining oestrogen levels during menopause. However, the signalling mechanisms remain undetermined. Purpose We aim to determine the role of G-protein coupled oestrogenic receptor 1 (GPER1) in intracellular Ca2+ regulation and the consequences of hormonal changes that may exacerbate the pathophysiology of heart failure. Methods Ovariectomy (OVx) (mimics menopausal hormone changes) or sham surgeries were conducted on female guinea pigs. Left ventricular cardiomyocytes were isolated 150-days post-operatively for experimental use. Cellular t-tubule network and structural integrity was measured using fluorescent di-8-ANEPPs staining and scanning ion conductance microscopy. GPER1 expression and localisation was measured by Western blot and immunostaining. The role of GPER1 activation was measured using selective agonist G-1 in electrophysiological and Ca2+-sensitive dye fluorescence experiments. Results Following oestrogen withdrawal, the t-tubule network density decreased by 13% and z-groove index reduced by 15%. GPER1 predominantly localised to the peri-nuclear endoplasmic reticulum and its expression increased by 32% in OVx. Action potential duration (APD) prolonged in OVx and following GPER1 activation, APD90 shortened by 11% and 25% in sham and OVx respectively. OVx cells had larger peak inward Ca2+ current (ICaL) (by 22%) and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ content (by 13%), compared with sham. While GPER1 activation had little effect on peak ICaL or SR content, it reduced Ca2+ transient amplitude (by 20%), SR fractional release (by 11%) in OVx cells. The frequency of occurrence of spontaneous Ca2+ waves evoked by periods of rapid stimulation reduced by 40% and wave-free survival time prolonged in OVx cells following GPER1 activation. Conclusions In the hearts of an animal species whose electrophysiology and intracellular Ca2+ regulation is akin to humans, we show that following oestrogen deficiency, the t-tubule network is down-regulated and becomes disorganised, GPER1 expression is increased and its activation induces negative inotropic responses in cardiomyocytes. This may limit the adverse changes to Ca2+ signalling reported in OVx that could be pro-arrhythmic and exacerbate the progression to heart failure. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): British Heart Foundation

scholarly journals CRISPR/Cas9 Mediated Knock Down of δ-ENaC Blunted the TNF-Induced Activation of ENaC in A549 Cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 1858
Author(s):  
Waheed Shabbir ◽  
Nermina Topcagic ◽  
Mohammed Aufy ◽  
Murat Oz
Keyword(s):  
A549 Cells ◽  
Na Channel ◽  
Na Current ◽  
Patch Clamp Technique ◽  
Whole Cell ◽  
Knock Down ◽  
Whole Cell Patch Clamp ◽  
Glycosylation Sites ◽  
Epithelial Na Channel

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is known to activate the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) in A549 cells. A549 cells are widely used model for ENaC research. The role of δ-ENaC subunit in TNF-induced activation has not been studied. In this study we hypothesized that δ-ENaC plays a major role in TNF-induced activation of ENaC channel in A549 cells which are widely used model for ENaC research. We used CRISPR/Cas 9 approach to knock down (KD) the δ-ENaC in A549 cells. Western blot and immunofluorescence assays were performed to analyze efficacy of δ-ENaC protein KD. Whole-cell patch clamp technique was used to analyze the TNF-induced activation of ENaC. Overexpression of wild type δ-ENaC in the δ-ENaC KD of A549 cells restored the TNF-induced activation of whole-cell Na+ current. Neither N-linked glycosylation sites nor carboxyl terminus domain of δ-ENaC was necessary for the TNF-induced activation of whole-cell Na+ current in δ-ENaC KD of A549 cells. Our data demonstrated that in A549 cells the δ-ENaC plays a major role in TNF-induced activation of ENaC.

scholarly journals Human low-threshold mechanoafferent responses to pure changes in friction controlled using an ultrasonic haptic device

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariama Dione ◽  
Roger Holmes Watkins ◽  
Eric Vezzoli ◽  
Betty Lemaire-Semail ◽  
Johan Wessberg
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Stable Phase ◽  
Sensory Cues ◽  
Temporal Precision ◽  
Object Interaction ◽  
Tactile Stimulator ◽  
The Status ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Low Threshold ◽  
Human Participants

AbstractThe forces that are developed when manipulating objects generate sensory cues that inform the central nervous system about the qualities of the object’s surface and the status of the hand/object interaction. Afferent responses to frictional transients or slips have been studied in the context of lifting/holding tasks. Here, we used microneurography and an innovative tactile stimulator, the Stimtac, to modulate both the friction level of a surface, without changing the surface or adding a lubricant, and, to generate the frictional transients in a pure and net fashion. In three protocols, we manipulated: the frictional transients, the friction levels, the rise times, the alternation of phases of decrease or increase in friction to emulate grating-like stimuli. Afferent responses were recorded in 2 FAIs, 1 FAII, 2 SAIs and 3 SAIIs from the median nerve of human participants. Independently of the unit type, we observed that: single spikes were generated time-locked to the frictional transients, and that reducing the friction level reduced the number of spikes during the stable phase of the stimulation. Our results suggest that those frictional cues are encoded in all the unit types and emphasize the possibility to use the Stimtac device to control mechanoreceptor firing with high temporal precision.

scholarly journals Orexin depolarizes rat hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus neurons

2001 ◽  
Vol 281 (4) ◽  
pp. R1114-R1118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tetsuro Shirasaka ◽  
Satoshi Miyahara ◽  
Takato Kunitake ◽  
Qing-Hua Jin ◽  
Kazuo Kato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Paraventricular Nucleus ◽  
Brain Slices ◽  
Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Patch Clamp Recording ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Whole Cell Patch Clamp ◽  
Orexin Receptors ◽  
Bath Application

Orexins, also called hypocretins, are newly discovered hypothalamic peptides that are thought to be involved in various physiological functions. In spite of the fact that orexin receptors, especially orexin receptor 2, are abundant in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), the effects of orexins on PVN neurons remain unknown. Using a whole cell patch-clamp recording technique, we investigated the effects of orexin-B on PVN neurons of rat brain slices. Bath application of orexin-B (0.01–1.0 μM) depolarized 80.8% of type 1 ( n = 26) and 79.2% of type 2 neurons tested ( n = 24) in the PVN in a concentration-dependent manner. The effects of orexin-B persisted in the presence of TTX (1 μM), indicating that these depolarizing effects were generated postsynaptically. Addition of Cd2+(1 mM) to artificial cerebrospinal fluid containing TTX (1 μM) significantly reduced the depolarizing effect in type 2 neurons. These results suggest that orexin-B has excitatory effects on the PVN neurons mediated via a depolarization of the membrane potential.

scholarly journals The role of Ca2+ in the protoveratrine-induced release of γ-aminobutyrate from rat brain slices

1980 ◽  
Vol 190 (2) ◽  
pp. 333-339 ◽  
Author(s):  
M C W Minchin
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Cortex ◽  
Rat Brain ◽  
Dose Response ◽  
Transmitter Release ◽  
Response Curve ◽  
Brain Slices ◽  
Veratrum Alkaloids ◽  
Similar Dose ◽  
22Na Uptake

1. Protoveratrine A increased the release of gamma-amino[3H]butyrate from small slices of rat cerebral cortex. This effect increased with increasing protoveratrine concentration, reaching a maximum at 100 microM. 2. Removal of Ca2+ from the superfusing medium did not change the increase in release due to 10 microM-protoveratrine; however, the Ca2+ antagonists, compound D-600, La3+, Mn2+, Mg2+ and also high Ca2+ concentration inhibited the effect of the alkaloid, as did procaine. 3. Protoveratrine A increased the uptake of 22Na+ into the slices with a similar dose-response curve to that found for gamma-aminobutyrate release. For the most part, the substances that inhibited protoveratrine-stimulated gamma-aminobutyrate release also inhibited 22Na+ uptake, although the correlation was not perfect. 4. Although extracellular Ca2+ is not required for protoveratrine-induced gamma-aminobutyrate release, an increase in Na+ influx that is susceptible to inhibition by some Ca2+ antagonists does appear to be associated with this phenomenon. However, the possibility remains that changes in the free intracellular Ca2+ concentration may be important for transmitter release induced by depolarizing veratrum alkaloids.

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