scholarly journals Giant smooth muscle cells of Beroë. Ultrastructure, innervation, and electrical properties.

1980 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
M L Hernandez-Nicaise ◽  
G O Mackie ◽  
R W Meech

Beroë muscle fibers are single cells which may be 20-40 micrometer in diameter in mature specimens. Longitudinal muscles may be 6 cm or more long. There is no striation pattern and the muscles were observed to contract in a tonic fashion when stretched. They are innervated by a nerve net, and external recording revealed what are probably nerve net impulses. Intracellular stimulation of the muscles themselves was found to initiate large propagating action potentials which were recorded intracellularly. The action potentials were insensitive to tetrodotoxin (10(-5) g/ml), tetraethylammonium ions (50 mM), MnCl2 (25 mM), and low concentrations of verapamil (2 X 10(-6) g/ml). Full-size action potentials were recorded in sodium- or calcium-deficient salines, but were small and graded in salines deficient in both sodium and calcium. Cable analysis yielded mean values for lambda (1.95 mm), Ri (154 omega cm), Rm (9,253 omega cm2), and tau m (13.9 ms). The conduction velocity depended primarily on fiber diameter and maximum rate of rise of the action potential and could be predicted from the theoretical analysis of Hunter et al. (1975 Prog. Biophys. Mol. Biol. 30: 99-144). The calculated membrane capacity (less than microF/cm2) indicates little infolding of the surface membrane, a conclusion which is in agreement with anatomical studies.

Author(s):  
Jacob Amontree ◽  
Kangfu Chen ◽  
Jose Varillas ◽  
Z. Hugh Fan

The characterization of single cells within heterogeneous populations has great impact on both biomedical sciences and cancer research. By investigating cellular compositions on a broad scale, pertinent outliers may be lost in the sample set. Alternatively, an investigation focused on the behavior of specific cells, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), will reveal genetic biomarkers or phenotypic characteristics associated with cancer and metastasis. On average, CTC concentration in peripheral blood is extremely low, as few as one to two per billion of healthy blood cells. Consequently, the critical element lacking in many methods of CTC detection is accurate cell capture efficiency at low concentrations. To simulate CTC isolation, researchers usually spike small amounts of tumor cells to healthy blood for separation. However, spiking tumor cells at extremely low concentrations is challenging in a standard laboratory setting. We report our study on an innovative apparatus and method designed for low-cost, precise, and replicable single-cell spiking (SCS). Our SCS method operates solely from capillary aspiration without the reliance on external laboratory equipment. To ensure that our method does not affect the viability of each cell, we investigated the effects of surface membrane tensions induced by aspiration. Finally, we performed affinity-based CTC isolation using human acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells (CCRF-CEM) spiked into healthy whole blood with the SCS technique. The results of the isolation experiments demonstrate the reliability of our method in generating low-concentration cell samples.


1983 ◽  
Vol 245 (5) ◽  
pp. C381-C387 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Matsuki ◽  
K. Hermsmeyer

We studied the existence of tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive fast Na+ channels in isolated single (verified by dye injection) myocardial cells compared with small multiple-cell groups from 1- to 3-day-old rat ventricles in cell culture. For single cells, average values were -63 mV maximum membrane potential, 32 mV overshoot, and 65 V/s maximum rate of rise of the action potentials (+Vmax). These values were comparable to values from groups of multiple (2-10) cells. TTX strongly depressed +Vmax dose dependently, with no difference between single and multiple cells. +Vmax was also decreased by lowering extracellular Na+ concentration but not by D 600 or lowering extracellular Ca2+ concentration. These results suggest that 1) isolated single cells possess TTX-sensitive fast Na+ channels, 2) culturing per se does not alter TTX sensitivity, and 3) TTX sensitivity is not modified by cell density.


Author(s):  
V. I. Ipatova ◽  
A. G. Dmitrieva ◽  
О. F. Filenko ◽  
T. V. Drozdenko

The structure of the laboratory population of green microalgae Scenedesmus quadricauda (Turp.) Breb (=Desmodesmus communis E. Hegew.) was studied at different stages of its growth (lag-phase, log-phase and stationary phase) at low concentrations of copper chloride and silver nitrate by the method microculture, allowing to monitor the state and development of single cells having different physiological status. The response of the culture of S. quadricauda - the change in the number of cells and the fractional composition (the fraction of dividing, «dormant» and dying cells) depended not only on the concentration of the toxicant in the medium, but also on the physiological state of the culture: the level of synchronization and the growth phase. Silver ions at low concentrations had a more pronounced toxic effect on the culture than copper ions at different phases of its development, especially at a concentration of 0.001 mg/l (10-9 M). The main mechanism of the toxic effect of metals is to inhibit the process of cell division. At low concentrations of toxicants, especially at a concentration of 0.001 mg/l, a «paradoxical» effect expressed in the predominance of the fraction of «dormant» cells was revealed. The temporary inhibition of the process of cell division can be regarded as a protective mechanism that allows preserving the integrity of the population and its ability to survive in a changing environment. The obtained data explain the effect of action of low concentrations of substances due to their inclusion in the cell, the subsequent accumulation in the cell and their low excretion.


1982 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 885-908 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Gillette ◽  
M. P. Kovac ◽  
W. J. Davis

1. A population of interneurons that control feeding behavior in the mollusk Pleurobranchaea has been analyzed by dye injection and intracellular stimulation/recording in whole animals and reduced preparations. The population consists of 12-16 somata distributed in two bilaterally symmetrical groups on the anterior edge of the cerebropleural ganglion (brain). On the basis of their position adjacent to the cerebral lobes, these cells have been named paracerebral neurons (PCNs). This study concerns pme subset pf [MCs. the large, phasic ones, which have the strongest effect on the feeding rhythm (21). 2. Each PCN sends a descending axon via the ipsilateral cerebrobuccal connective to the buccal ganglion. Axon branches have not been detected in other brain or buccal nerves and hence the PCNs appear to be interneurons. 3. In whole-animal preparations, tonic intracellular depolarization of the PNCs causes them to discharge cyclic bursts of action potentials interrupted by a characteristic hyperpolarization. In all specimens that exhibit feeding behavior, the interburst hyperpolarization is invariably accompanied by radula closure and the beginning of proboscis retraction (the "bite"). No other behavorial effect of PCN stimulation has been observed. 4. In whole-animal preparations, the PCNs are excited by food and tactile stimulation of the oral veil, rhinophores, and tentacles. When such stimuli induce feeding the PCNs discharge in the same bursting pattern seen during tonic PCN depolarization, with the cyclic interburst hyperpolarization phase locked to the bit. When specimens egest an unpalatable object by cyclic buccal movements, however, the PCNs are silent. The PCNs therefore exhibit properties expected of behaviorally specific "command" neurons for feeding. 5. Silencing one or two PCNs by hyperpolarization may weaken but does not prevent feeding induced by natural food stimuli. Single PCNs therefore can be sufficient but are not necessary to induction of feeding behavior. Instead the PCNs presumably operate as a population to control feeding. 6. In isolated nervous system preparations tonic extracellular stimulation of the stomatogastric nerve of the buccal ganglion elicits a cyclic motor rhythm that is similar in general features to the PNC-induced motor rhythm. Bursts of PCN action potentials intercalated at the normal phase position in this cycle intensify the buccal rhythm. Bursts of PCN impulses intercalated at abnormal phase positions reset the buccal rhythm. The PCNs, therefore, also exhibit properties expected of pattern-generator elements and/or coordinating neurons for the buccal rhythm. 7. The PCNs are recruited into activity when the buccal motor rhythm is elicited by stomatogastric nerve stimulation or stimulation of the reidentifiable ventral white cell. The functional synergy between the PCNs and the buccal rhythm is therefore reciprocal. 8...


1974 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 653-671
Author(s):  
D. B. SATTELLE

1. A mean resting potential of -53.3 (S.D. ±2.7) mV has been obtained for 23 neurones of the parietal and visceral ganglia of Limnaea stagnalis (L.). Changes in the resting potential of between 28 and 43 mV accompany tenfold changes in [K+0]. A modified constant-field equation accounts for the behaviour of most cells over the range of external potassium concentrations from 0-5 to 10.o mM/1. Mean values have been estimated for [K+1, 56.2 (S.D.± 9-0) mM/1 and PNa/PK, 0-117 (S.D.±0-028). 2. Investigations on the ionic basis of action potential generation have revealed two cell types which can be distinguished according to the behaviour of their action potentials in sodium-free Ringer. Sodium-sensitive cells are unable to support action potentials for more than 8-10 min in the absence of sodium. Sodium slopes of between 29 and 37 mV per decade change in [Na+0] have been found for these cells. Tetrodotoxin (5 x 10-5 M) usually blocks action potentials in these neurones. Calcium-free inger produces a marked reduction in the overshoot potential and calcium slopes of about 18 mV per decade change in [Ca2+o] are found. Manganous chloride only partially reduces the action potential overshoot in these cells at concentrations of 10 mM/l. 3. Sodium-insensitive neurones maintain action potentials in the absence of external sodium. Stimulation only slightly reduces the amplitude of the action potential under these conditions and such cells are readily accessible to potassium ions in the bathing medium. A calcium-slope of 29 mV per decade change in [Ca2+o] has been observed in these cells in the absence of external sodium. 4. It is concluded that both sodium and calcium ions can be involved in the generation of the action potential in neurones of Limnaea stagnate, their relative contribution varying in different cells.


1989 ◽  
Vol 142 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-124
Author(s):  
M. J. O'DONNELL ◽  
B. SINGH

Our experiments show that octopamine receptors are present on the developing follicles of an insect, Rhodnius prolixus. Application of D,L-octopamine decreased the duration and overshoot of calcium-dependent action potentials (APs), and increased the intrafollicular concentration of cyclic AMP. The threshold concentration of D,L-octopamine for the reduction in electrical excitability was between 1 and 5×10−7moll−1, and maximal effects of a 40–50% reduction in AP overshoot and duration were apparent at 10−4moll−1. At concentrations above 10−5moll−1, a small (<10%) hyperpolarization of the resting potential was also apparent. Effects of D,L-octopamine on oocyte excitability were independent of these small shifts in resting potential. Current injection experiments, in which calcium entry was blocked by cobalt, demonstrated that D,L-octopamine reduced membrane resistance at both hyperpolarizing and depolarizing potentials. Octopamine did not affect the maximum rate of rise of the AP, dV/dtmax, which is an indicator of inward calcium current. It is suggested that octopamine may mediate its effects on excitability through an increase in a voltage-dependent potassium conductance. Application of other phenolamines indicated a rank order of potency of D, Loctopamine > D,L-synephrine > tyramine. The α-adrenergic agonists clonidine, naphazoline and tolazoline were without significant effect at 10−5-10−3moll−1. Reduction of excitability by D,L-octopamine was effectively blocked by phentolamine and metoclopramide. Yohimbine and gramine were less effective as antagonists. Possible functions of octopamine receptors in insect follicles are discussed.


1981 ◽  
Vol 241 (5) ◽  
pp. H700-H707 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. W. Snyder ◽  
W. A. Crafford ◽  
J. L. Glashow ◽  
D. Rankin ◽  
B. E. Sobel ◽  
...  

Lysophosphoglycerides accumulate in ischemic myocardium. To determine whether lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) concentrations increase in extracellular fluid and may be arrhythmogenic, the anterior descending coronary artery of the open-chest cat (n = 12) was perfused with a Krebs-albumin solution after 10 min of ischemia and the effluent assayed for LPC. A twofold increase in LPC (0.097 +/- 0.02 to 0.170 +/- 0.03 mM) was observed. Microelectrode intracellular recordings from from normal feline endocardium at pH 7.4 in vitro revealed little change in action potentials when superfused with feline plasma despite augmented LPC to twice normal levels (0.74 mM). However, at pH 6.7, marked changes were elicited by LPC-enriched plasma including diminished resting membrane potential (-96 +/- 1 to -35 +/- 7 mV), amplitude (102 +/- 3 to 36 +/- 8 mV), maximum rate of rise (Vmax) of phase 0 (178 +/- 24 to 26 +/- 11 V/s), and conduction velocity with fractionation of the action potential. Acidified control plasma decreased only Vmax (from 161 to 57 V/s). Thus LPC increases twofold in effluents from cat myocardium in vivo after 10 min of ischemia and, coupled with ischemia-induced acidosis, is sufficient to induce marked electrophysiological derangements in vitro.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document