Dendrosomatic Voltage and Charge Transfer in Rat Neocortical Pyramidal Cells In Vitro

2000 ◽  
Vol 84 (3) ◽  
pp. 1445-1452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Ulrich ◽  
Christian Stricker
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Cutoff Frequency ◽  
Pyramidal Cells ◽  
Apical Dendrite ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential ◽  
Transfer Characteristics ◽  
Layer V

Most excitatory synapses on neocortical pyramidal cells are located on dendrites, which are endowed with a variety of active conductances. The main origin for action potentials is thought to be at the initial segment of the axon, although local regenerative activity can be initiated in the dendrites. The transfer characteristics of synaptic voltage and charge along the dendrite to the soma remains largely unknown, although this is an essential determinant of neural input-output transformations. Here we perform dual whole-cell recordings from layer V pyramidal cells in slices from somatosensory cortex of juvenile rats. Steady-state and sinusoidal current injections are applied to characterize the voltage transfer characteristics of the apical dendrite under resting conditions. Furthermore, dendrosomatic charge and voltage transfer are determined by mimicking synapses via dynamic current-clamping. We find that around rest, the dendrite behaves like a linear cable. The cutoff frequency for somatopetal current transfer is around 4 Hz, i.e., synaptic inputs are heavily low-pass filtered. In agreement with linearity, transfer resistances are reciprocal in opposite directions, and the centroids of the synaptic time course are on the order of the membrane time constant. Transfer of excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) charge, but not peak amplitude, is positively correlated with membrane potential. We conclude that the integrative properties of dendrites in infragranular neocortical pyramidal cells appear to be linear near resting membrane potential. However, at polarized potentials charge transferred is voltage-dependent with a loss of charge at hyperpolarized and a gain of charge at depolarized potentials.

Characterization of synaptically mediated fast and slow inhibitory processes in piriform cortex in an in vitro slice preparation

1988 ◽  
Vol 59 (5) ◽  
pp. 1352-1376 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. F. Tseng ◽  
L. B. Haberly
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Piriform Cortex ◽  
Reversal Potential ◽  
Pyramidal Cells ◽  
Membrane Depolarization ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential ◽  
Pentobarbital Sodium ◽  
Postsynaptic Potential ◽  
Conductance Increase

1. Intracellular recordings were obtained from anatomically verified layer II pyramidal cells in slices from rat piriform cortex cut perpendicular to the surface. 2. Responses to afferent and association fiber stimulation at resting membrane potential consisted of a depolarizing potential followed by a late hyperpolarizing potential (LHP). Membrane polarization by current injection revealed two components in the depolarizing potential: an initial excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) followed at brief latency by an inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) that inverted with membrane depolarization and truncated the duration of the EPSP. 3. The early IPSP displayed the following characteristics suggesting mediation by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors linked to Cl- channels: associated conductance increase, sensitivity to increases in internal Cl- concentration, blockage by picrotoxin and bicuculline, and potentiation by pentobarbital sodium. The reversal potential was in the depolarizing direction with respect to resting membrane potential so that the inhibitory effect was exclusively via current shunting. 4. The LHP had an associated conductance increase and a reversal potential of -90 mV in normal bathing medium that shifted according to Nernst predictions for a K+ potential with changes in external K+ over the range 4.5-8 mM indicating mediation by the opening of K+ channels and ruling out an electrogenic pump origin. 5. Lack of effect of bath-applied 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP) or internally applied ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) on the LHP and failure of high amplitude, direct membrane depolarization to evoke a comparable potential, argue against endogenous mediation of the LHP by a Ca2+ activated K+ conductance [gK(Ca)]. However, an apparent endogenously mediated gK(Ca) with a duration much greater than the LHP was observed in a low percent of layer II pyramidal cells. Lack of effect of 8-Br-cAMP also indicates a lack of dependence of the LHP on cAMP. 6. Other characteristics of the LHP that were demonstrated include: a lack of blockage by GABAA receptor antagonists, a probable voltage sensitivity (decrease in amplitude in the depolarizing direction), and an apparent brief onset latency (less than 10 ms) when the early IPSP was blocked by picrotoxin. The LHP was unaffected by pentobarbital sodium when the early IPSP was blocked by picrotoxin. 7. Both the LHP and early IPSP were blocked by low Ca2+/high Mg2+, consistent with disynaptic mediation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Distance-Dependent Ni2+-Sensitivity of Synaptic Plasticity in Apical Dendrites of Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Cells

2002 ◽  
Vol 87 (2) ◽  
pp. 1169-1174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshikazu Isomura ◽  
Yoko Fujiwara-Tsukamoto ◽  
Michiko Imanishi ◽  
Atsushi Nambu ◽  
Masahiko Takada
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Influx ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Field Potential ◽  
Pyramidal Cells ◽  
Long Term Potentiation ◽  
Apical Dendrite ◽  
Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential ◽  
Distal Dendrite ◽  
Ca1 Pyramidal Cells ◽  
Hippocampal Ca1

Low concentration of Ni2+, a T- and R-type voltage-dependent calcium channel (VDCC) blocker, is known to inhibit the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells. These VDCCs are distributed more abundantly at the distal area of the apical dendrite than at the proximal dendritic area or soma. Therefore we investigated the relationship between the Ni2+-sensitivity of LTP induction and the synaptic location along the apical dendrite. Field potential recordings revealed that 25 μM Ni2+ hardly influenced LTP at the proximal dendritic area (50 μm distant from the somata). In contrast, the same concentration of Ni2+ inhibited the LTP induction mildly at the middle dendritic area (150 μm) and strongly at the distal dendritic area (250 μm). Ni2+ did not significantly affect either the synaptic transmission at the distal dendrite or the burst-firing ability at the soma. However, synaptically evoked population spikes recorded near the somata were slightly reduced by Ni2+ application, probably owing to occlusion of dendritic excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) amplification. Even when the stimulating intensity was strengthened sufficiently to overcome such a reduction in spike generation during LTP induction, the magnitude of distal LTP was not significantly recovered from the Ni2+-dependent inhibition. These results suggest that Ni2+ may inhibit the induction of distal LTP directly by blocking calcium influx through T- and/or R-type VDCCs. The differentially distributed calcium channels may play a critical role in the induction of LTP at dendritic synapses of the hippocampal pyramidal cells.

Responses of cortical neurons to stimulation of corpus callosum in vitro

1982 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 1257-1273 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. A. Vogt ◽  
A. L. Gorman
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Callosum ◽  
Action Potentials ◽  
Cingulate Cortex ◽  
Synaptic Activity ◽  
Structural Basis ◽  
Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential ◽  
Length Constant ◽  
Layer V ◽  
Stimulation Of

1. An in vitro slice preparation of rat cingulate cortex was used to analyze the responses of layer V neurons to electrical stimulation of the corpus callosum (CC). In addition, synaptic termination of callosal afferents with layer V neurons was evaluated electron microscopically to provide a structural basis for interpreting some of the observed response sequences. 2. Layer V neurons had a resting membrane potential (RMP) of 60 +/- 0.68 (SE) mV, an input resistance of 47 +/- 4.74 M omega, a membrane time constant of 4.37 +/- 0.51 ms, an electrotonic length constant of 1.38 +/- 0.25, and produced spontaneous action potentials that were 50 +/- 0.3 mV in amplitude. Intracellular depolarizing current pulses evoked spikes that were sometimes associated with low-amplitude (2-5 mV) depolarizing (5-10 ms in duration) and hyperpolarizing (10-20 ms in duration) afterpotentials. 3. A single stimulus of increasing intensities to the CC produced one of the following response sequences: a) antidromic spike and an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP), which initiated one or more spikes; b) antidromic spike, EPSP-evoked action potentials, and a hyperpolarization, which may have represented an intrinsic cell property or inhibitory synaptic activity; c) EPSP and evoked spikes only; d) high-amplitude EPSP with an all-or-none burst of action potentials. 4. Antidromically activated (AA) neurons always produced EPSPs in response to CC stimulation. When compared with nonantidromically activated neurons, AA cells had a more negative RMP, greater electrotonic length constant (LN), higher ratio of dendritic to somatic conductance (rho), and formed shorter duration, callosal-evoked EPSPs. 5. Neurons in anterior cingulate cortex produced EPSPs of longer duration than did those in posterior cortex (50 +/- 3.57 versus 26 +/- 1.56 ms, respectively). EPSPs in anterior neurons also had a higher maximum amplitude (20.5 +/- 1.0 versus 11.5 +/- 0.79 mV) and longer time to peak (11.6 +/- 2.2 versus 8.2 +/- 0.8 ms). 6. Electron microscopy of Golgi-impregnated neurons following contralateral lesions demonstrated that both pyramidal and nonpyramidal neurons received direct callosal afferents. Synaptic termination of callosal axons with the apical dendritic trees of anterior pyramidal cells was 6 times greater than it was with posterior pyramidal neurons. 7. EPSP shape differences in anterior and posterior neurons may be partially accounted for by the density and distribution of callosal afferents to these two cortices.

Conductance changes underlying a late synaptic hyperpolarization in hippocampal CA3 neurons

1987 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 160-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. J. Hablitz ◽  
R. H. Thalmann
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Voltage Clamp ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Membrane Potentials ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Extracellular Potassium ◽  
Voltage Sensitivity ◽  
Base Line ◽  
Membrane Hyperpolarization ◽  
Ca3 Neurons

1. Single-electrode current- and voltage-clamp techniques were employed to study properties of the conductance underlying an orthodromically evoked late synaptic hyperpolarization or late inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) in CA3 pyramidal neurons in the rat hippocampal slice preparation. 2. Late IPSPs could occur without preceding excitatory postsynaptic potentials at the resting membrane potential and were graded according to the strength of the orthodromic stimulus. The membrane hyperpolarization associated with the late IPSP peaked within 140-200 ms after orthodromic stimulation of mossy fiber afferents. The late IPSP returned to base line with a half-decay time of approximately 200 ms. 3. As determined from constant-amplitude hyperpolarizing-current pulses, the membrane conductance increase during the late IPSP, and the time course of its decay, were similar whether measurements were made near the resting membrane potential or when the cell was hyperpolarized by approximately 35 mV. 4. When 1 mM cesium was added to the extracellular medium to reduce inward rectification, late IPSPs could be examined over a range of membrane potentials from -60 to -140 mV. For any given neuron, the late IPSP amplitude-membrane potential relationship was linear over the same range of membrane potentials for which the slope input resistance was constant. The late IPSP reversed symmetrically near -95 mV. 5. Intracellular injection of ethyleneglycol-bis-(beta-aminoethylether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid or extracellular application of forskolin, procedures known to reduce or block certain calcium-dependent potassium conductances in CA3 neurons, had no significant effect on the late IPSP. 6. Single-electrode voltage-clamp techniques were used to analyze the time course and voltage sensitivity of the current underlying the late IPSP. This current [the late inhibitory postsynaptic current (IPSC)] began as early as 25 ms after orthodromic stimulation and reached a peak 120-150 ms following stimulation. 7. The late IPSC decayed with a single exponential time course (tau = 185 ms). 8. A clear reversal of the late IPSC at approximately -99 mV was observed in a physiological concentration of extracellular potassium (3.5 mM).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

APV-sensitive dorsal root afferent transmission to neonate rat sympathetic preganglionic neurons in vitro

1990 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 991-999 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Shen ◽  
N. Mo ◽  
N. J. Dun
Keyword(s):  
Receptor Antagonist ◽  
Dorsal Root ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential ◽  
Krebs Solution ◽  
Membrane Hyperpolarization ◽  
Sympathetic Preganglionic Neurons ◽  
Preganglionic Neurons ◽  
Stimulation Of

1. Intracellular recordings were made from antidromically identified sympathetic preganglionic neurons (SPNs) in transverse thoracolumbar spinal cord slices from neonate (12- to 22-day-old) rats. 2. Electrical stimulation of dorsal roots or dorsal root entry zone elicited in SPNs an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) or multiple EPSPs of varying latencies. The EPSP could be graded by varying the stimulus intensity and, on reaching the threshold, discharged an action potential. 3. The dorsal root-evoked EPSPs had a mean synaptic latency of 2.6 ms (range: 1.2-11 ms), suggesting a polysynaptic pathway. The EPSPs were characteristically slow in onset with a mean rise time and half-decay time of 8.3 and 23 ms, respectively. 4. At the resting membrane potential of -50 to -60 mV, the amplitude of EPSPs recorded in normal (1.3 mM Mg2+) Krebs solution was reduced by membrane hyperpolarization or depolarization. In Mg2(+)-free solution, EPSPs were potentiated and reached threshold for spike discharge. 5. The EPSPs were suppressed by the nonselective glutamate receptor antagonist kynurenic acid (0.1-0.5 mM) and by the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists D-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV; 1-10 microM) and ketamine (5-10 microM), but not by the quisqualate (QA)/kainate (KA) receptor antagonist 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX, 1-10 microM). The latter depressed the EPSPs elicited by stimulation of lateral funiculus in the same SPNs. 6. NMDA applied by pressure elicited a depolarization in the SPNs. In normal Krebs solution the response was voltage dependent with the peak amplitude occurring around -60 mV; conditioning depolarization or hyperpolarization diminished the response.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

scholarly journals Self-tuning of inhibition by endocannabinoids shapes spike-time precision in CA1 pyramidal neurons

2013 ◽  
Vol 110 (8) ◽  
pp. 1930-1944 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franck Dubruc ◽  
David Dupret ◽  
Olivier Caillard
Keyword(s):  
Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Pyramidal Cells ◽  
Memory Formation ◽  
Spike Timing ◽  
Excitatory Postsynaptic Potential ◽  
Spike Time ◽  
Transient Improvement ◽  
Self Tuning ◽  
Feedforward Inhibition

In the hippocampus, activity-dependent changes of synaptic transmission and spike-timing coordination are thought to mediate information processing for the purpose of memory formation. Here, we investigated the self-tuning of intrinsic excitability and spiking reliability by CA1 hippocampal pyramidal cells via changes of their GABAergic inhibitory inputs and endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling. Firing patterns of CA1 place cells, when replayed in vitro, induced an eCB-dependent transient reduction of spontaneous GABAergic activity, sharing the main features of depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition (DSI), and conditioned a transient improvement of spike-time precision during consecutive burst discharges. When evaluating the consequences of DSI on excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP)-spike coupling, we found that transient reductions of uncorrelated (spontaneous) or correlated (feedforward) inhibition improved EPSP-spike coupling probability. The relationship between EPSP-spike-timing reliability and inhibition was, however, more complex: transient reduction of correlated (feedforward) inhibition disrupted or improved spike-timing reliability according to the initial spike-coupling probability. Thus eCB-mediated tuning of pyramidal cell spike-time precision is governed not only by the initial level of global inhibition, but also by the ratio between spontaneous and feedforward GABAergic activities. These results reveal that eCB-mediated self-tuning of spike timing by the discharge of pyramidal cells can constitute an important contribution to place-cell assemblies and memory formation in the hippocampus.

Selective optogenetic stimulation of fibroblasts enables quantification of hetero-cellular coupling to cardiomyocytes in a three-dimensional model of heart tissue

EP Europace ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (10) ◽  
pp. 1590-1599
Author(s):  
Maximilian Funken ◽  
Tobias Bruegmann ◽  
Philipp Sasse
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Connexin 43 ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Β1 ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Human Cardiomyocytes ◽  
Tgf Β1

Abstract Aims Besides providing mechanical stability, fibroblasts in the heart could modulate the electrical properties of cardiomyocytes. Here, we aim to develop a three-dimensional hetero-cellular model to analyse the electric interaction between fibroblasts and human cardiomyocytes in vitro using selective optogenetic de- or hyperpolarization of fibroblasts. Methods and results NIH3T3 cell lines expressing the light-sensitive ion channel Channelrhodopsin2 or the light-induced proton pump Archaerhodopsin were generated for optogenetic depolarization or hyperpolarization, respectively, and characterized by patch clamp. Cardiac bodies consisting of 50% fibroblasts and 50% human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes were analysed by video microscopy and membrane potential was measured with sharp electrodes. Myofibroblast activation in cardiac bodies was enhanced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-stimulation. Connexin-43 expression was analysed by qPCR and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. Illumination of Channelrhodopsin2 or Archaerhodopsin expressing fibroblasts induced inward currents and depolarization or outward currents and hyperpolarization. Transforming growth factor-β1-stimulation elevated connexin-43 expression and increased cell–cell coupling between fibroblasts as well as increased basal beating frequency and cardiomyocyte resting membrane potential in cardiac bodies. Illumination of cardiac bodies generated with Channelrhodopsin2 fibroblasts accelerated spontaneous beating, especially after TGF-β1-stimulation. Illumination of cardiac bodies prepared with Archaerhodopsin expressing fibroblasts led to hyperpolarization of cardiomyocytes and complete block of spontaneous beating after TGF-β1-stimulation. Effects of light were significantly smaller without TGF-β1-stimulation. Conclusion Transforming growth factor-β1-stimulation leads to increased hetero-cellular coupling and optogenetic hyperpolarization of fibroblasts reduces TGF-β1 induced effects on cardiomyocyte spontaneous activity. Optogenetic membrane potential manipulation selectively in fibroblasts in a new hetero-cellular cardiac body model allows direct quantification of fibroblast–cardiomyocyte coupling in vitro.

Membrane Properties Underlying Patterns of GABA-Dependent Action Potentials in Developing Mouse Hypothalamic Neurons

2001 ◽  
Vol 86 (3) ◽  
pp. 1252-1265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Feng Wang ◽  
Xiao-Bing Gao ◽  
Anthony N. van den Pol
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Action Potentials ◽  
Brain Slices ◽  
Reversal Potential ◽  
Membrane Properties ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Hypothalamic Neurons ◽  
Spike Threshold ◽  
Spike Patterns

Spikes may play an important role in modulating a number of aspects of brain development. In early hypothalamic development, GABA can either evoke action potentials, or it can shunt other excitatory activity. In both slices and cultures of the mouse hypothalamus, we observed a heterogeneity of spike patterns and frequency in response to GABA. To examine the mechanisms underlying patterns and frequency of GABA-evoked spikes, we used conventional whole cell and gramicidin perforation recordings of neurons ( n = 282) in slices and cultures of developing mouse hypothalamus. Recorded with gramicidin pipettes, GABA application evoked action potentials in hypothalamic neurons in brain slices of postnatal day 2–9( P2- 9) mice. With conventional patch pipettes (containing 29 mM Cl−), action potentials were also elicited by GABA from neurons of 2–13 days in vitro (2–13 DIV) embryonic hypothalamic cultures. Depolarizing responses to GABA could be generally classified into three types: depolarization with no spike, a single spike, or complex patterns of multiple spikes. In parallel experiments in slices, electrical stimulation of GABAergic mediobasal hypothalamic neurons in the presence of glutamate receptor antagonists [10 μM 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX), 100 μM 2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (AP5)] resulted in the occurrence of spikes that were blocked by bicuculline (20 μM). Blocking ionotropic glutamate receptors with AP5 and CNQX did not block GABA-mediated multiple spikes. Similarly, when synaptic transmission was blocked with Cd2+ (200 μM) and Ni2+(300 μM), GABA still induced multiple spikes, suggesting that the multiple spikes can be an intrinsic membrane property of GABA excitation and were not based on local interneurons. When the pipette [Cl−] was 29 or 45 mM, GABA evoked multiple spikes. In contrast, spikes were not detected with 2 or 10 mM intracellular [Cl−]. With gramicidin pipettes, we found that the mean reversal potential of GABA-evoked current ( E GABA) was positive to the resting membrane potential, suggesting a high intracellular [Cl−] in developing mouse neurons. Varying the holding potential from −80 to 0 mV revealed an inverted U-shaped effect on spike probability. Blocking voltage-dependent Na+ channels with tetrodotoxin eliminated GABA-evoked spikes, but not the GABA-evoked depolarization. Removing Ca2+ from the extracellular solution did not block spikes, indicating GABA-evoked Na+-based spikes. Although E GABA was more positive within 2–5 days in culture, the probability of GABA-evoked spikes was greater in 6- to 9-day cells. Mechanistically, this appears to be due to a greater Na+ current found in the older cells during a period when the E GABA is still positive to the resting membrane potential. GABA evoked similar spike patterns in HEPES and bicarbonate buffers, suggesting that Cl−, not bicarbonate, was primarily responsible for generatingmultiple spikes. GABA evoked either single or multiple spikes; neurons with multiple spikes had a greater Na+ current, a lower conductance, a more negative spike threshold, and a greater difference between the peak of depolarization and the spike threshold. Taken together, the present results indicate that the patterns of multiple action potentials evoked by GABA are an inherent property of the developing hypothalamic neuron.

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.

Development of membrane conductance of chick skeletal muscle in culture

1980 ◽  
Vol 58 (6) ◽  
pp. 600-605 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. M. Thomson ◽  
W. F. Dryden
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Initial Level ◽  
Potassium Conductance ◽  
Membrane Conductance ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Membrane Conductances ◽  
Rapid Changes ◽  
Fibre Development

Resting membrane potentials and membrane conductances of chick skeletal muscle in culture were determined from the 3rd to the 10th day after plating. The effect of tetraethylammonium (TEA) and of replacement of potassium with caesium on these parameters was investigated. Resting membrane potential (Em) rises during myogenesis in vitro and resting membrane conductance (Gm) falls. The initial level of Gm was relatively high (1.2 mS cm−2) but this fell to a final level around 0.2 mS cm−2. The most rapid changes in both parameters occurred between days 3 and 5 of culture. Both TEA and caesium depressed Em and Gm at all stages of development. On the 3rd day of culture Gm was reduced by 0.2 mS cm−2 by both agents. Thereafter, Gm was depressed by about 0.1 mS cm−2. Caesium does not penetrate potassium channels and the reduction in Gm is attributed to block of these channels. This indicates that resting potassium conductance is relatively constant at 0.1 mS cm−2 throughout muscle fibre development. Because TEA produces changes in Gm similar to those produced by caesium, TEA is concluded to be acting at the potassium channel in a manner similar to caesium.

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