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.

Protein kinase activator 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol inhibits two types of calcium currents in GH3 cells

1988 ◽  
Vol 254 (1) ◽  
pp. C206-C210 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Marchetti ◽  
A. M. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Chick Embryo ◽  
Calcium Currents ◽  
Gh3 Cells ◽  
High Threshold ◽  
Pituitary Cells ◽  
Excitable Cells ◽  
Whole Cell ◽  
Whole Cell Patch Clamp ◽  
Low Threshold

Two types of Ca2+ currents, high-threshold, long-lasting, or L currents and low-threshold, transient, or T currents, are present in many excitable cells. L-type Ca2+ current is modulated by, among others, beta- and alpha-adrenoreceptors and intracellular Ca2+, but modulation of T-type Ca2+ current is less well established. 1-Oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol (OAG), a synthetic activator of protein kinase C (PKC), modulates whole cell Ca2+ currents in a variety of excitable cells. Whether activators of PKC affect preferentially L and T types of Ca2+ currents is unknown. We tested OAGs effects on whole cell Ca2+ currents in the clonal GH3 line of anterior pituitary cells. The currents were measured using the whole cell patch-clamp method. Four to 60 microM OAG reversibly reduced Ca2+ currents produced by test potentials to 10 mV, and the inhibition was half maximal at approximately 25 microM. Such concentrations depress Ca2+ currents in chick embryo dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells and clonal AtT-20 pituitary cells. To test whether OAG acted preferentially on L or T current, we separated the two using depolarizing prepulses to inactivate T current. OAG (40 microM) attenuated T currents by 60% and L currents by 50%. The current waveforms were not changed and were simply scaled, and the effects on both occurred approximately 15 s after OAG was applied. In chick embryo DRGs OAG inhibited the T current by 30% and the L current by 50%. We conclude that PKC modulates Ca2+ currents by acting on both L and T Ca2+ channels.

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.

Electrotonic structure of olfactory sensory neurons analyzed by intracellular and whole cell patch techniques

1991 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 747-758 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Pongracz ◽  
S. Firestein ◽  
G. M. Shepherd
Keyword(s):  
Sensory Neurons ◽  
Information Transfer ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Input Resistance ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Ambystoma Tigrinum ◽  
Olfactory Sensory Neurons ◽  
Isolated Cells ◽  
Whole Cell

1. Experimental studies employing whole cell patch recordings from freshly isolated olfactory sensory neurons of the salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) yield much higher estimates of specific membrane resistance (Rm) than studies using conventional intracellular recordings from in situ neurons. Because Rm is critical for understanding information transfer in these cells, we have used computational methods to analyze the possible reasons for this difference. 2. Compartmental models were constructed for both the in situ and isolated neurons, using SABER, a general-purpose simulation program. For Rm in the in situ cell, we used a high value of 100,000 omega.cm2, as estimated in the whole cell recordings from isolated cells. A shunt across the cell membrane caused by the penetrating microelectrode was simulated by several types of shunt mechanisms, and its effects on lowering the apparent value of resting membrane potential (MP), input resistance (RN), and membrane time constant (tau m) and increasing the electrotonic length (L) were analyzed. 3. A good approximation of the electrotonic properties recorded intracellularly was obtained in the in situ model with high Rm combined with an electrode shunt consisting of Na and K conductances. A raised K conductance (1-5 nS) helps to maintain the resting MP while contributing to the increased conductance, which lowers RN and shortens the apparent tau m toward the experimental values. 4. Combined shunt resistances of 0.1-0.2 G omega (5-10 nS) gave the best fits with the experimental data. These shunts were two to three orders of magnitude smaller than the values reported from intracellular penetrations in muscle cells and motoneurons. This may be correlated with the smaller electrode tips used in the recordings from these small neurons. We thus confirm the prediction that even small values of electrode shunt have relatively large effects on the recorded electrotonic properties of small neurons, because of their high RN (2-5 G omega). 5. We have further explored the effects on electrotonic structure of a nonuniform Rm by giving higher Rm values to the distally located cilia compared with the proximal soma-dendritic region, as indicated by recent experiments. For the same RN, large increases in ciliary Rm above 100,000 omega.cm2 can be balanced by relatively small decreases below that value in soma-dendritic Rm. A high ciliary Rm appears to be a specialization for transduction of the sensory input, as reported also in photoreceptors and hair cells.

Neuropeptide Y reduces calcium current and inhibits acetylcholine release in nodose neurons via a pertussis toxin-sensitive mechanism

1990 ◽  
Vol 63 (6) ◽  
pp. 1499-1507 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. W. Wiley ◽  
R. A. Gross ◽  
Y. X. Lu ◽  
R. L. Macdonald
Keyword(s):  
Patch Clamp ◽  
Neuropeptide Y ◽  
Pertussis Toxin ◽  
Calcium Current ◽  
Calcium Currents ◽  
High Threshold ◽  
Time Constants ◽  
Whole Cell ◽  
Peak Current ◽  
Whole Cell Patch Clamp

1. The effect of neuropeptide Y (NPY) on voltage-dependent calcium currents was studied in acutely dissociated rat vagal afferent (nodose) neurons by the use of both intracellular single-electrode and whole-cell patch-clamp techniques. 2. Nodose neurons exhibited three calcium current components similar to the transient low-threshold (T), slowly inactivating high-threshold (L), and the transient high-threshold (N) currents previously described in dorsal root ganglion neurons (Nowycky et al. 1985). The characteristics of calcium current components were similar for the two recording techniques except that the inactivation time constants (tau i) were two- to threefold larger at 22 degrees C (whole-cell patch clamp) than at 35 degrees C (single-electrode voltage clamp). 3. NPY (0.1-100 nM, ED50 4 nM) produced a concentration-dependent reduction in calcium currents with the use of both recording techniques. NPY (100 nM) had no effect on T and L currents but reduced the combined N/L current 31 +/- 6% in 47% of the cells tested. Current traces were also analyzed by multiexponential curve fitting to determine amplitudes and inactivation time constants (tau i). NPY selectively reduced the amplitude of the curve-fitted N current component 45 +/- 8% but had no effect on any of the tau i. The effect of NPY to reduce calcium current was blocked in the presence of gadolinium (1 microM), a putative N channel antagonist. Pretreatment of cultures with pertussis toxin (PTX) (100 ng/ml) for 16-24 h blocked the effect of NPY. 4. NPY reduced the peak current without changing the voltage dependence of the peak current-voltage relation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

T-Type Ca2+ Channels in Normal and Abnormal Brain Functions

2013 ◽  
Vol 93 (3) ◽  
pp. 961-992 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eunji Cheong ◽  
Hee-Sup Shin
Keyword(s):  
Low Voltage ◽  
Signal Transmission ◽  
Absence Epilepsy ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
Central Neurons ◽  
Processing Pathways ◽  
Low Threshold ◽  
Pain Signal

Low-voltage-activated T-type Ca2+ channels are widely expressed in various types of neurons. Once deinactivated by hyperpolarization, T-type channels are ready to be activated by a small depolarization near the resting membrane potential and, therefore, are optimal for regulating the excitability and electroresponsiveness of neurons under physiological conditions near resting states. Ca2+ influx through T-type channels engenders low-threshold Ca2+ spikes, which in turn trigger a burst of action potentials. Low-threshold burst firing has been implicated in the synchronization of the thalamocortical circuit during sleep and in absence seizures. It also has been suggested that T-type channels play an important role in pain signal transmission, based on their abundant expression in pain-processing pathways in peripheral and central neurons. In this review, we will describe studies on the role of T-type Ca2+ channels in the physiological as well as pathological generation of brain rhythms in sleep, absence epilepsy, and pain signal transmission. Recent advances in studies of T-type channels in the control of cognition will also be briefly discussed.

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 Relationship of membrane properties, spike burst responses, laminar location, and functional class of dorsal horn neurons recorded in vitro

2016 ◽  
Vol 116 (3) ◽  
pp. 1137-1151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick M. Dougherty ◽  
Jinghong Chen
Keyword(s):  
Dorsal Root ◽  
Dynamic Range ◽  
Functional Class ◽  
Membrane Properties ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
High Threshold ◽  
Wide Dynamic Range ◽  
Low Threshold ◽  
Wide Dynamic Range Neurons

The input-output and discharge properties of neurons are shaped by both passive and active electrophysiological membrane properties. Whole cell patch-clamp recordings in lamina I–III neurons in an isolated preparation of the whole spinal cord of juvenile rats with attached dorsal roots and dorsal root ganglia were used to further define which of these properties provides the most impactful classification strategy. A total of 95 neurons were recorded in segment L5 and were classified based on the responses to L4 dorsal root stimulation. The results showed that high-threshold and silent neurons had higher membrane resistance and more negative resting membrane potential than low-threshold or wide-dynamic-range neurons. Rheobase in low-threshold and wide-dynamic-range neurons was significantly lower than that of high-threshold or silent neurons. Four types of firing patterns were identified in response to depolarizing current injections. Low-threshold cells most frequently showed a phasic firing pattern characterized by a short initial burst of action potentials, single spiking or irregular firing bursts at the onset of a depolarizing pulse. High-threshold and wide-dynamic-range neurons were characterized by tonic firing with trains of spikes occurring at regular intervals throughout the current pulse. The majority of silent neurons displayed a delayed onset of firing in response to current injection. These results indicate that the passive membrane properties of spinal neurons are tuned to optimize the responses to particular subsets of afferent stimuli.

scholarly journals Expression and function of KV2-containing channels in human urinary bladder smooth muscle

2012 ◽  
Vol 302 (11) ◽  
pp. C1599-C1608 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kiril L. Hristov ◽  
Muyan Chen ◽  
Serge A. Y. Afeli ◽  
Qiuping Cheng ◽  
Eric S. Rovner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Patch Clamp ◽  
Electrical Field Stimulation ◽  
Bladder Smooth Muscle ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Patch Clamp Technique ◽  
Whole Cell ◽  
Cell Patch Clamp ◽  
Whole Cell Patch Clamp

The functional role of the voltage-gated K+ (KV) channels in human detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) is largely unexplored. Here, we provide molecular, electrophysiological, and functional evidence for the expression of KV2.1, KV2.2, and the electrically silent KV9.3 subunits in human DSM. Stromatoxin-1 (ScTx1), a selective inhibitor of KV2.1, KV2.2, and KV4.2 homotetrameric channels and of KV2.1/9.3 heterotetrameric channels, was used to examine the role of these channels in human DSM function. Human DSM tissues were obtained during open bladder surgeries from patients without a history of overactive bladder. Freshly isolated human DSM cells were studied using RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry, live-cell Ca2+ imaging, and the perforated whole cell patch-clamp technique. Isometric DSM tension recordings of human DSM isolated strips were conducted using tissue baths. RT-PCR experiments showed mRNA expression of KV2.1, KV2.2, and KV9.3 (but not KV4.2) channel subunits in human isolated DSM cells. KV2.1 and KV2.2 protein expression was confirmed by Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry. Perforated whole cell patch-clamp experiments revealed that ScTx1 (100 nM) inhibited the amplitude of the voltage step-induced KV current in freshly isolated human DSM cells. ScTx1 (100 nM) significantly increased the intracellular Ca2+ level in DSM cells. In human DSM isolated strips, ScTx1 (100 nM) increased the spontaneous phasic contraction amplitude and muscle force, and enhanced the amplitude of the electrical field stimulation-induced contractions within the range of 3.5–30 Hz stimulation frequencies. These findings reveal that ScTx1-sensitive KV2-containing channels are key regulators of human DSM excitability and contractility and may represent new targets for pharmacological or genetic intervention for bladder dysfunction.

scholarly journals Making In Situ Whole-Cell Patch-Clamp Recordings from Xenopus laevis Tadpole Neurons

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (10) ◽  
pp. pdb.prot106856
Author(s):  
Wen-Chang Li
Keyword(s):  
Patch Clamp ◽  
Xenopus Laevis ◽  
Ependymal Cells ◽  
Patch Clamp Recording ◽  
Whole Cell ◽  
Cell Patch Clamp ◽  
Whole Cell Patch Clamp ◽  
Vertebrate Model ◽  
Whole Cell Recordings

Xenopus laevis tadpoles have been an excellent, simple vertebrate model for studying the basic organization and physiology of the spinal cord and motor centers in the brainstem. In the past, intracellular recordings from the spinal and brainstem neurons were primarily made using sharp electrodes, although whole-cell patch-clamp technology has been around since the early 1980s. In this protocol, I describe the dissections and procedures needed for in situ whole-cell patch-clamp recording, which has become routine in tadpole neurophysiology since the early 2000s. The critical step in the dissections is to delicately remove some ependymal cells lining the tadpole neurocoele in order to expose clean neuronal somata without severing axon tracts. Whole-cell recordings can then be made from the somata in either current- or voltage-clamp mode.

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