scholarly journals Membrane potential responses of paramecium caudatum to bitter substances: existence of multiple pathways for bitter responses

1998 ◽  
Vol 201 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-20
Author(s):  
K Oami
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Action Potentials ◽  
Bathing Solution ◽  
Transduction Pathway ◽  
Paramecium Caudatum ◽  
External Application ◽  
Common Component ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
Mutant Cells ◽  
Ca2 Channels

The membrane potential responses of Paramecium caudatum to the external application of bitter substances were examined by employing conventional electrophysiological techniques. Mutant cells defective in voltage-gated Ca2+ channels were used to record the potential responses in the absence of contamination by Ca2+ action potentials. The cells produced a transient depolarization followed by a transient hyperpolarization in response to a rapid whole-cell application of chloroquine, strychnine nitrate or brucine. Of these chemicals, chloroquine was the most potent. Cells produced a simple depolarization in response to a localized application of test chemicals to the anterior region, whereas they produced a transient hyperpolarization in response to an application to the posterior region. Membrane potential responses to an application of chloroquine declined with repeated application. The presence of chloroquine in the external bathing solution strongly inhibited the membrane potential responses to an application of brucine or strychnine. However, the presence of chloroquine did not affect the membrane potential responses to an application of quinine. It is suggested that chloroquine, strychnine and brucine share a common component of their transduction pathways, but that the transduction pathway for quinine is different.

Deoxyglucose and reduced glutathione mimic effects of hypoxia on K+ and Ca2+ conductances in pulmonary artery cells

1994 ◽  
Vol 267 (1) ◽  
pp. L52-L63 ◽  
Author(s):  
X. J. Yuan ◽  
M. L. Tod ◽  
L. J. Rubin ◽  
M. P. Blaustein
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Artery ◽  
Action Potentials ◽  
Reduced Glutathione ◽  
Metabolic Inhibitors ◽  
Common Mechanism ◽  
Pipette Solution ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
Kv Channels ◽  
Channel Inhibition ◽  
Ca2 Channels

Hypoxia-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) is triggered by a rise in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) that is partially controlled by voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Hypoxia inhibits voltage-gated K+ (KV) channels in pulmonary artery (PA) myocytes. This depolarizes the cells, opens voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, thereby increases [Ca2+]i, and initiates HPV. In intact animals and isolated perfused lungs, metabolic inhibitors and reducing agents augment HPV. We compared the effects of hypoxia with the glycolysis inhibitor, 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DOG), and the reducing agent, reduced glutathione (GSH), on voltage-gated steady-state K+ currents (IK,ss) and membrane potential (Em) in cultured rat pulmonary and mesenteric arterial (MA) smooth muscle cells. Bath application of 10 mM 2-DOG (glucose-free) or 5-10 mM GSH reversibly reduced IK,ss by 25-35% in PA myocytes, with 5 mM ATP present in the pipette solution. Neither hypoxia nor 2-DOG significantly affected IK,ss in MA myocytes, but GSH did reduce IK,ss in these cells. Furthermore, hypoxia, 2-DOG, and GSH depolarized PA cells in the absence as well as in the presence of external Ca2+. Hypoxia, 2-DOG, and GSH also evoked action potentials on the top of the steady depolarization in 36-50% of PA myocytes but not in any MA myocytes; removal of external Ca2+ abolished the action potentials without affecting the steady depolarization. These effects were comparable to those produced by 4-aminopyridine (5-10 mM), a blocker of KV channels. This implies that the action potentials are attributable to Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels opened by the steady depolarization due to KV channel inhibition. In the presence of 2-DOG or GSH, hypoxia had no further effect on IK,ss or Em in PA cells; this implies that hypoxia, 2-DOG, and GSH all block the same K+ channels. The data suggest that 1) the hypoxia-induced decrease of IK,ss and the resultant depolarization in PA myocytes may be related to a local decrease of intracellular ATP level and/or a change in redox status of the membrane or cytosol and 2) extracellular Ca(2+)-dependent action potentials may be responsible for at least part of the increase in [Ca2+]i during HPV. Similarities between the effects of hypoxia, 2-DOG, and GSH on IK,ss and Em in PA myocytes, along with the dissimilar responses of PA and MA myocytes, suggest that a common mechanism may underlie the responses of PA cells to these treatments.

scholarly journals EPSPs in rat neocortical neurons in vitro. II. Involvement of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in the generation of EPSPs

1989 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 621-634 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Sutor ◽  
J. J. Hablitz
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Action Potentials ◽  
Voltage Dependence ◽  
Negative Slope ◽  
Inward Rectification ◽  
Potential Range ◽  
Bathing Solution ◽  
Postsynaptic Potentials ◽  
Neocortical Neurons

1. Intracellular recordings were obtained from neurons in layer II/III of rat frontal cortex. Single-electrode current- and voltage-clamp techniques were employed to compare the sensitivity of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) and iontophoretically evoked responses to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) to the selective NMDA antagonist D-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (D-2-APV). The voltage dependence of the amplitudes of the EPSPs before and after pharmacologic changes in the neuron's current-voltage relationship was also examined. 2. NMDA depolarized the membrane potential, increased the neuron's apparent input resistance (RN), and evoked bursts of action potentials. The NMDA-induced membrane current (INMDA) gradually increased with depolarization from -80 to -40 mV. The relationship between INMDA and membrane potential displayed a region of negative slope conductance in the potential range between -70 and -40 mV which was sufficient to explain the apparent increase in RN and the burst discharges during the NMDA-induced depolarization. 3. Short-latency EPSPs (eEPSPs) were evoked by low-intensity electrical stimulation of cortical layer IV. Changes in the eEPSP waveform following membrane depolarization and hyperpolarization resembled those of NMDA-mediated responses. However, the eEPSP was insensitive to D-2-APV applied at concentrations (up to 20 microM) that blocked NMDA responses. 4. EPSPs with latencies between 10 and 40 ms [late EPSPs (lEPSPs)] were evoked by electrical stimulation using intensities just subthreshold to the activation of IPSPs. The amplitude of the lEPSP increased with hyperpolarization and decreased with depolarization. 5. The lidocaine derivative QX-314, injected intracellularly, suppressed sodium-dependent action potentials and depolarizing inward rectification. Simultaneously, the amplitude of the eEPSP significantly decreased with depolarization. Neither the amplitude of a long-latency EPSP nor the amplitude of inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) was significantly affected by QX-314. 6. Cesium ions (0.5-2.0 mM) added to the bathing solution reduced or blocked hyperpolarizing inward rectification. Under these conditions, the amplitude of the eEPSP increased with hyperpolarization. The amplitude of the lEPSP was unaltered or enhanced. 7. The lEPSP was reversibly blocked by D-2-APV (5-20 microM), although the voltage-dependence of its amplitude did not resemble the action of NMDA on neocortical neurons.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

scholarly journals Action potentials in Xenopus oocytes triggered by blue light

2020 ◽  
Vol 152 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian Walther ◽  
Dominic Feind ◽  
Christian vom Dahl ◽  
Christoph Emanuel Müller ◽  
Taulant Kukaj ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Action Potential ◽  
Blue Light ◽  
Action Potentials ◽  
Xenopus Oocytes ◽  
Na Channel ◽  
Xenopus Laevis Oocytes ◽  
Na Channels ◽  
Excitable Cells ◽  
Voltage Gated

Voltage-gated sodium (Na+) channels are responsible for the fast upstroke of the action potential of excitable cells. The different α subunits of Na+ channels respond to brief membrane depolarizations above a threshold level by undergoing conformational changes that result in the opening of the pore and a subsequent inward flux of Na+. Physiologically, these initial membrane depolarizations are caused by other ion channels that are activated by a variety of stimuli such as mechanical stretch, temperature changes, and various ligands. In the present study, we developed an optogenetic approach to activate Na+ channels and elicit action potentials in Xenopus laevis oocytes. All recordings were performed by the two-microelectrode technique. We first coupled channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2), a light-sensitive ion channel of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, to the auxiliary β1 subunit of voltage-gated Na+ channels. The resulting fusion construct, β1-ChR2, retained the ability to modulate Na+ channel kinetics and generate photosensitive inward currents. Stimulation of Xenopus oocytes coexpressing the skeletal muscle Na+ channel Nav1.4 and β1-ChR2 with 25-ms lasting blue-light pulses resulted in rapid alterations of the membrane potential strongly resembling typical action potentials of excitable cells. Blocking Nav1.4 with tetrodotoxin prevented the fast upstroke and the reversal of the membrane potential. Coexpression of the voltage-gated K+ channel Kv2.1 facilitated action potential repolarization considerably. Light-induced action potentials were also obtained by coexpressing β1-ChR2 with either the neuronal Na+ channel Nav1.2 or the cardiac-specific isoform Nav1.5. Potential applications of this novel optogenetic tool are discussed.

scholarly journals Adrenaline Stimulates Glucagon Secretion in Pancreatic A-Cells by Increasing the Ca2+ Current and the Number of Granules Close to the L-Type Ca2+ Channels

1997 ◽  
Vol 110 (3) ◽  
pp. 217-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesper Gromada ◽  
Krister Bokvist ◽  
Wei-Guang Ding ◽  
Sebastian Barg ◽  
Karsten Buschard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Activity ◽  
Adrenergic Receptors ◽  
Action Potentials ◽  
Glucagon Secretion ◽  
Stimulatory Action ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
A Cells ◽  
Β Adrenergic Receptors ◽  
Ca2 Channels ◽  
Stimulation Of

We have monitored electrical activity, voltage-gated Ca2+ currents, and exocytosis in single rat glucagon-secreting pancreatic A-cells. The A-cells were electrically excitable and generated spontaneous Na+- and Ca2+-dependent action potentials. Under basal conditions, exocytosis was tightly linked to Ca2+ influx through ω-conotoxin-GVIA–sensitive (N-type) Ca2+ channels. Stimulation of the A-cells with adrenaline (via β-adrenergic receptors) or forskolin produced a greater than fourfold PKA-dependent potentiation of depolarization-evoked exocytosis. This enhancement of exocytosis was due to a 50% enhancement of Ca2+ influx through L-type Ca2+ channels, an effect that accounted for <30% of the total stimulatory action. The remaining 70% of the stimulation was attributable to an acceleration of granule mobilization resulting in a fivefold increase in the number of readily releasable granules near the L-type Ca2+ channels.

scholarly journals Genomic Action of Sigma-1 Receptor Chaperone Relates to Neuropathic Pain

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shao-Ming Wang ◽  
Nino Goguadze ◽  
Yuriko Kimura ◽  
Yuko Yasui ◽  
Bin Pan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Action Potentials ◽  
Neuronal Excitability ◽  
Mrna Translation ◽  
Sigma 1 Receptor ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
Sigma 1 ◽  
Frequency Of Action Potentials ◽  
Translational Inhibitor ◽  
Ca2 Channels

AbstractSigma-1 receptors (Sig-1Rs) are endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperones implicated in neuropathic pain. Here we examine if the Sig-1R may relate to neuropathic pain at the level of dorsal root ganglia (DRG). We focus on the neuronal excitability of DRG in a “spare nerve injury” (SNI) model of neuropathic pain in rats and find that Sig-1Rs likely contribute to the genesis of DRG neuronal excitability by decreasing the protein level of voltage-gated Cav2.2 as a translational inhibitor of mRNA. Specifically, during SNI, Sig-1Rs translocate from ER to the nuclear envelope via a trafficking protein Sec61β. At the nucleus, the Sig-1R interacts with cFos and binds to the promoter of 4E-BP1, leading to an upregulation of 4E-BP1 that binds and prevents eIF4E from initiating the mRNA translation for Cav2.2. Interestingly, in Sig-1R knockout HEK cells, Cav2.2 is upregulated. In accordance with those findings, we find that intra-DRG injection of Sig-1R agonist (+)pentazocine increases frequency of action potentials via regulation of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Conversely, intra-DRG injection of Sig-1R antagonist BD1047 attenuates neuropathic pain. Hence, we discover that the Sig-1R chaperone causes neuropathic pain indirectly as a translational inhibitor.

scholarly journals cADP-ribose potentiates cytosolic Ca2+ elevation and Ca2+ entry via L-type voltage-activated Ca2+ channels in NG108-15 neuronal cells

2000 ◽  
Vol 345 (2) ◽  
pp. 207-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minako HASHII ◽  
Yoshio MINABE ◽  
Haruhiro HIGASHIDA
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Ryanodine Receptors ◽  
Neuronal Cells ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Hybrid Cells ◽  
External Application ◽  
Whole Cell ◽  
Fura 2 ◽  
Retrograde Signal ◽  
Ca2 Channels

The effects of cADP-ribose (cADPR), a metabolite of β-NAD+, on the elevation of cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and Ca2+ influx through voltage-activated Ca2+ channels (VACCs) were studied in NG108-15 neuroblastoma×glioma hybrid cells. NG108-15 cells were pre-loaded with fura-2 and whole-cell patch-clamped. Application of cADPR through patch pipettes did not by itself trigger any [Ca2+]i rise at the resting membrane potential. A rise in [Ca2+]i was evoked upon sustained membrane depolarization, and was significantly larger in cADPR-infused cells than in non-infused cells. This potentiation in the [Ca2+]i elevation was reproduced by infusion of β-NAD+, and was blocked by 8-bromo-cADPR and antagonized by external application of ryanodine or by pretreatment of cells with FK506. Nicotinamide inhibited β-NAD+-induced, but not cADPR-elicited, potentiation. [Ca2+]i increases or Ca2+ influx, measured by Mn2+ quenching, elicited by the same protocol of depolarization was blocked completely by nifedipine but not by Ω-conotoxin. Ca2+ influx in cADPR- or β-NAD+-infused cells was steeper and greater than that in control cells, and was inhibited partly by ryanodine. In contrast, ryanodine accelerated Ca2+ influx in non-infused cells. These results show that cADPR amplifies both depolarization-induced [Ca2+]i increase and Ca2+ influx through L-type VACCs. These results suggest that cADPR functions on ryanodine receptors as a direct agonist and also interacts with L-type VACCs as an indirect agonist, i.e. via a retrograde signal.

A model for dendritic Ca2+ accumulation in hippocampal pyramidal neurons based on fluorescence imaging measurements

1994 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 1065-1077 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. B. Jaffe ◽  
W. N. Ross ◽  
J. E. Lisman ◽  
N. Lasser-Ross ◽  
H. Miyakawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescence Imaging ◽  
Action Potentials ◽  
Hippocampal Neurons ◽  
Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Na Channels ◽  
Hippocampal Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
K Channels ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
Synaptic Potentials ◽  
Ca2 Channels

1. High-speed fluorescence imaging was used to measure intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) changes in hippocampal neurons injected with the Ca(2+)-sensitive indicator fura-2 during intrasomatic and synaptic stimulation. The results of these experiments were used to construct a biophysical model of [Ca2+]i dynamics in hippocampal neurons. 2. A compartmental model of a pyramidal neuron was constructed incorporating published passive membrane properties of these cells, three types of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels characterized from adult hippocampal neurons, voltage-gated Na+ and K+ currents, and mechanisms for Ca2+ buffering and extrusion. 3. In hippocampal pyramidal neurons imaging of Na+ entry during electrical activity suggests that Na+ channels, at least in sufficient density to sustain action potentials, are localized in the soma and the proximal part of the apical dendritic tree. The model, which incorporates this distribution, demonstrates that action potentials attenuate steeply in passive distal dendritic compartments or distal dendritic compartments containing Ca2+ and K+ channels. This attenuation was affected by intracellular resistivity but not membrane resistivity. 4. Consistent with fluorescence imaging experiments, a non-uniform distribution of Ca2+ accumulation was generated by Ca2+ entry through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels opened by decrementally propagating Na+ action potentials. Consequently, the largest increases in [C2+]i were produced in the proximal dendrites. Distal voltage-gated Ca2+ currents were activated by broad, almost isopotential action potentials produced by reducing the overall density of K+ channels. 5. Simulations of subthreshold synaptic stimulation produced dendritic Ca2+ entry by the activation of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. In the model these Ca2+ signals were localized near the site of synaptic input because of the attenuation of synaptic potentials with distance from the site of origin and the steep voltage-dependence of Ca2+ channel activation. 6. These simulations support the hypotheses generated from experimental evidence regarding the differential distribution of voltage-gated Ca2+ and Na+ channels in hippocampal neurons and the resulting voltage-gated Ca2+ accumulation from action and synaptic potentials.

Inhibition of voltage-dependent Ca2+influx by extracellular ATP in salivary cells of the leech Haementeria ghilianii

1996 ◽  
Vol 199 (6) ◽  
pp. 1335-1341
Author(s):  
W Wuttke ◽  
T Munsch ◽  
J Deitmer
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Voltage Clamp ◽  
Extracellular Atp ◽  
Threshold Concentration ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
K Concentration ◽  
Gamma S ◽  
Ca2 Channels

The effects of extracellular ATP on intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and depolarization-induced elevations of [Ca2+]i were investigated in salivary cells of the leech Haementeria ghilianii using the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator Fura-2. Simultaneously, the membrane potential was monitored or controlled by voltage-clamp. The cell membrane was depolarized either by transient elevations of the extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]o) to 90 mmol l-1 or by depolarizing steps under voltage-clamp. The resulting transient elevations of [Ca2+]i (Ca2+ transients) could be repeatedly elicited with little variability in amplitude. Ca2+ transients were completely inhibited by 2 mmol l-1 Ni2+ or in Ca2+-free saline. The transients are, therefore, dependent on Ca2+ influx from the external medium through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. The Ca2+ influx was rapidly and reversibly inhibited by extracellular application of ATP. The effect was dose-dependent with a threshold concentration below 10(-7) mol l-1. A 50 % reduction in the amplitude of Ca2+ transients was obtained by application of 1­2 µmol l-1 ATP or ATP-gamma-S (apparent IC50, 1.6 µmol l-1 ATP) and Ca2+ transients were almost completely inhibited by 30­100 µmol l-1 ATP. Resting [Ca2+]i, the resting membrane potential and membrane potential changes induced by 90 mmol l-1 [K+]o were not affected by ATP. Adenosine (10 µmol l-1) did not affect resting [Ca2+]i, the resting membrane potential or membrane potential changes induced by 90 mmol l-1 [K+]o and had little effect on Ca2+ transients. Suramin, an antagonist of vertebrate P2 receptors, was without effect on the inhibitory actions of ATP. We conclude that activation of a suramin-insensitive purinoceptor by ATP inhibits Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in the salivary cells of Haementeria ghilianii.

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