scholarly journals Interactions between Membrane Resistance, GABA-A Receptor Properties, Bicarbonate Dynamics and Cl−-Transport Shape Activity-Dependent Changes of Intracellular Cl− Concentration

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 1416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aniello Lombardi ◽  
Peter Jedlicka ◽  
Heiko Luhmann ◽  
Werner Kilb
Keyword(s):  
Decay Time ◽  
Gabaa Receptors ◽  
Input Resistance ◽  
Membrane Resistance ◽  
Membrane Properties ◽  
Gaba A ◽  
Cl Transport ◽  
Neuronal Membranes ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Activity Dependent

The effects of ionotropic γ-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABA-A, GABAA) activation depends critically on the Cl−-gradient across neuronal membranes. Previous studies demonstrated that the intracellular Cl−-concentration ([Cl−]i) is not stable but shows a considerable amount of activity-dependent plasticity. To characterize how membrane properties and different molecules that are directly or indirectly involved in GABAergic synaptic transmission affect GABA-induced [Cl−]i changes, we performed compartmental modeling in the NEURON environment. These simulations demonstrate that GABA-induced [Cl−]i changes decrease at higher membrane resistance, revealing a sigmoidal dependency between both parameters. Increase in GABAergic conductivity enhances [Cl−]i with a logarithmic dependency, while increasing the decay time of GABAA receptors leads to a nearly linear enhancement of the [Cl−]i changes. Implementing physiological levels of HCO3−-conductivity to GABAA receptors enhances the [Cl−]i changes over a wide range of [Cl−]i, but this effect depends on the stability of the HCO3− gradient and the intracellular pH. Finally, these simulations show that pure diffusional Cl−-elimination from dendrites is slow and that a high activity of Cl−-transport is required to improve the spatiotemporal restriction of GABA-induced [Cl−]i changes. In summary, these simulations revealed a complex interplay between several key factors that influence GABA-induced [Cl]i changes. The results suggest that some of these factors, including high resting [Cl−]i, high input resistance, slow decay time of GABAA receptors and dynamic HCO3− gradient, are specifically adapted in early postnatal neurons to facilitate limited activity-dependent [Cl−]i decreases.

scholarly journals Heterogeneity of Membrane Properties in Sympathetic Preganglionic Neurons of Neonatal Mice: Evidence of Four Subpopulations in the Intermediolateral Nucleus

2010 ◽  
Vol 103 (1) ◽  
pp. 490-498 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Zimmerman ◽  
Shawn Hochman
Keyword(s):  
Time Constant ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Input Resistance ◽  
Firing Frequency ◽  
Membrane Properties ◽  
Sympathetic Preganglionic Neurons ◽  
Preganglionic Neurons ◽  
Neonatal Mice ◽  
Potential Shape ◽  
Wide Range

Spinal cord sympathetic preganglionic neurons (SPNs) integrate activity from descending and sensory systems to determine the final central output of the sympathetic nervous system. The intermediolateral column (IML) has the highest number and density of SPNs and, within this region, SPN somas are found in distinct clusters within thoracic and upper lumbar spinal segments. Whereas SPNs exhibit a rostrocaudal gradient of end-target projections, individual clusters contain SPNs with diverse functional roles. Here we explored diversity in the electrophysiological properties observed in Hb9-eGFP–identified SPNs in the IML of neonatal mice. Overall, mouse SPN intrinsic membrane properties were comparable with those seen in other species. A wide range of values was obtained for all measured properties (up to a 10-fold difference), suggesting that IML neurons are highly differentiated. Using linear regression we found strong correlations between many cellular properties, including input resistance, rheobase, time constant, action potential shape, and degree of spike accommodation. The best predictor of cell function was rheobase, which correlated well with firing frequency–injected current ( f– I) slopes as well as other passive and active membrane properties. The range in rheobase suggests that IML neurons have a recruitment order with stronger synaptic drives required for maximal recruitment. Using cluster analysis, we identified at least four subpopulations of SPNs, including one with a long time constant, low rheobase, and high f– I gain. We thus propose that the IML contains populations of neurons that are differentiable by their membrane properties and hypothesize they represent diverse functional classes.

Developmental Changes in Electrophysiological Properties and Synaptic Transmission in Rat Intracardiac Ganglion Neurons

2006 ◽  
Vol 95 (6) ◽  
pp. 3543-3552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrina Rimmer ◽  
Alexander A. Harper
Keyword(s):  
Synaptic Transmission ◽  
Postnatal Development ◽  
Input Resistance ◽  
Membrane Resistance ◽  
Membrane Properties ◽  
Right Atrial ◽  
Electrophysiological Properties ◽  
Ganglion Neurons ◽  
Somatic Action Potentials ◽  
Parasympathetic Regulation

We charted postnatal changes in the intrinsic electrophysiological properties and synaptic responses of rat intrinsic cardiac ganglion (ICG) neurons. We developed a whole-mount ganglion preparation of the excised right atrial ganglion plexus. Using intracellular recordings and nerve stimulation we tested the hypothesis that substantial transformations in the intrinsic electrical characteristics and synaptic transmission accompany postnatal development. Membrane potential ( Em) did not change but time constant (τ) and cell capacitance increased with postnatal development. Accordingly, input resistance ( Rin) decreased but specific membrane resistance ( Rm) increased postnatally. Comparison of the somatic active membrane properties revealed significant changes in electrical phenotype. All neonatal neurons had somatic action potentials (APs) with small overshoots and small afterhyperpolarizations (AHPs). Adult neurons had somatic APs with large overshoots and large AHP amplitudes. The range of AHP duration was larger in adults than in neonates. The AP characteristics of juvenile neurons resembled those of adults, with the exception of AHP duration, which fell midway between neonate and adult values. Phasic, multiply adapting, and tonic evoked discharge activities were recorded from ICG neurons. Most neurons displayed phasic discharge at each developmental stage. All neurons received excitatory synaptic inputs from the vagus or interganglionic nerve trunk(s), the strength of which did not change significantly with postnatal age. The changes in the electrophysiological properties of the postganglionic neuron suggest that increased complexity of parasympathetic regulation of cardiac function accompanies postnatal development.

An electrically mediated inhibition in goldfish medulla

1975 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 452-471 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Korn ◽  
D. S. Faber
Keyword(s):  
Action Potential ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Current Flow ◽  
Input Resistance ◽  
Membrane Resistance ◽  
Neuronal Population ◽  
M Cell ◽  
Neuronal Membranes ◽  
Cathodal Current ◽  
Medullary Neurons

1. Passive hyperpolarizing potentials (PHPs) have been recorded intracellularly from goldfish medullary neurons in the vicinity of the Mauthner cell (M-cell). They are evoked when this cell is activated antidromically by stimulation of the spinal cord, and orthodromically via the ipsilateral eighth nerve; when appropriately timed they block or delay spikes induced both directly and transsynaptically. 2. Since the PHPs and the M-cell spike have the same latency, time course, and all-or-none character, they cannot be generated by chemically mediated synaptic transmission. This conclusion is further supported by the evidence that PHP amplitude and time course are independent of membrane potential. 3. The analysis of the mechanism underlying PHP generation has been based on the hypothesis that they are brought about by the extracellular currents flowing to the axon cap during an M-cell action potential. Specifically, it was postulated that some of this current is channeled back to the axon cap region intracellularly through processes of PHP-exhibiting neurons, and that these cells are passively hyperpolarized by the associated inward transmembrane current flow. This model would require that PHP-exhibiting neurons send processes into the axon cap. This hypothesis is confirmed by the following: a) When the PHP is timed to occur during the conductance increase associated with a spike after hyperpolarization, it is reduced, as would be expected for a passive current flow across a membrane resistance. b) PHPs are not found in all medullary neurons in the vicinity of the M-cell, but rather in a specific neuronal population. c) PHP-exhibiting neurons have been identified following Procion yellow injections; as predicted, they issue one process, presumably the axon, which projects toward the M-cell axon cap area. d) The PHP can be stimulated by passing a cathodal current from a microelectrode located in the axon cap; it is not mimicked when the cathodal electrode is moved outside this region. The currents necessary to mimic a PHP are comparable to the estimated current flowing back to the axon cap during an M-cell action potential. 4. The input resistance of PHP-exhibiting neurons is in the range of 4 M alpha, and their estimated specific membrane resistance is in the range of 900-2,000 alpha-cm-2, which is not an unusually low value for neuronal membranes. By contrast, the intracellular channeling of current during a PHP can rather be attributed to a high extracellular tissue resistance within the axon cap, which was found to be at least 2.5 times that of the surrounding medullary tissue..

scholarly journals Membrane response to current pulses in spheroidal aggregates of embryonic heart cells.

1975 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 207-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
R L Dehaan ◽  
H A Fozzard
Keyword(s):  
Surface Membrane ◽  
Current Source ◽  
Aggregate Size ◽  
Input Resistance ◽  
Membrane Resistance ◽  
Systematic Difference ◽  
Membrane Properties ◽  
Voltage Response ◽  
Heart Cells ◽  
Membrane Area

Hearts from chick embryos aged 4,7, or 14 days were dissociated into their component cells, and the cells allowed to reassociate in the form of smooth-surfaced spheroidal aggregates on a gyratory shaker. Records from intracellular electrodes inserted into two widely spaced cells in a spontaneously beating aggregate indicated that the action potentials occurred virtually simultaneously. In aggregates made quiescent with tetrodotoxin, the voltage response to a current pulse injected in one cell could be noted by recording with a second microelectrode at various distance from the current source. The magnitude of the response was found not to vary with distance. It is concluded that the component cells in an aggregate are normally tightly coupled electrically; the cell boundaries do not constitute an appreciable resistive barrier. Such ag-regates behave as virtually isopential systems, with properties similar to those of single spherical cells, as modeled by Eisenberg and Engel (1970. J. Gen. Physiol. 55:736-757). Passive membrane time constant ranged from 11 to 31 ms, with a mean value of 17 ms; this value did not vary with aggregate size. Input resistance (V/I) varied inversely with aggregate size, as predicted, but with much scatter in the measured values. Specific membrane resistance was calculated as either 13,000 or 800 ohm-cm2 depending on whether input resistance was attributed to the total cell surface membrane area or to the outer surface of the sphere alone. No systematic difference in passive electrical properties of aggregates composed of 4-, 7-, and 14-day cells was seen. It is concluded that these aggregates may be suitable for voltage clamp analysis of their excitable membrane properties.

Electrical Coupling and Passive Membrane Properties of AII Amacrine Cells

2010 ◽  
Vol 103 (3) ◽  
pp. 1456-1466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Lin Veruki ◽  
Leif Oltedal ◽  
Espen Hartveit
Keyword(s):  
Amacrine Cell ◽  
Electrical Coupling ◽  
Amacrine Cells ◽  
Input Resistance ◽  
Membrane Resistance ◽  
Membrane Properties ◽  
Total Input ◽  
Junctional Conductance ◽  
Aii Amacrine Cells ◽  
Aii Amacrine

AII amacrine cells in the mammalian retina are connected via electrical synapses to on-cone bipolar cells and to other AII amacrine cells. To understand synaptic integration in these interneurons, we need information about the junctional conductance ( gj), the membrane resistance ( rm), the membrane capacitance ( Cm), and the cytoplasmic resistivity ( Ri). Due to the extensive electrical coupling, it is difficult to obtain estimates of rm, as well as the relative contribution of the junctional and nonjunctional conductances to the total input resistance of an AII amacrine cell. Here we used dual voltage-clamp recording of pairs of electrically coupled AII amacrine cells in an in vitro slice preparation from rat retina and applied meclofenamic acid (MFA) to block the electrical coupling and isolate single AII amacrines electrically. In the control condition, the input resistance ( Rin) was ∼620 MΩ and the apparent rm was ∼760 MΩ. After block of electrical coupling, determined by estimating gj in the dual recordings, Rin and rm were ∼4,400 MΩ, suggesting that the nongap junctional conductance of an AII amacrine cell is ∼16% of the total input conductance. Control experiments with nucleated patches from AII amacrine cells suggested that MFA had no effect on the nongap junctional membrane of these cells. From morphological reconstructions of AII amacrine cells filled with biocytin, we obtained a surface area of ∼900 μm2 which, with a standard value for Cm of 0.01 pF/μm2, corresponds to an average capacitance of ∼9 pF and a specific membrane resistance of ∼41 kΩ cm2. Together with information concerning synaptic connectivity, these data will be important for developing realistic compartmental models of the network of AII amacrine cells.

scholarly journals Dissecting the Molecular Determinants of GABAA Receptors Current Rundown, a Hallmark of Refractory Human Epilepsy

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 441
Author(s):  
Pierangelo Cifelli ◽  
Silvia Di Angelantonio ◽  
Veronica Alfano ◽  
Alessandra Morano ◽  
Eleonora De Felice ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gabaa Receptors ◽  
Drug Resistant ◽  
Human Embryonic Kidney Cells ◽  
Inhibitory Function ◽  
Human Epilepsy ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Molecular Determinants ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Heterologous Expression Systems ◽  
Important Therapeutic Target

GABAA receptors-(Rs) are fundamental for the maintenance of an efficient inhibitory function in the central nervous system (CNS). Their dysfunction is associated with a wide range of CNS disorders, many of which characterized by seizures and epilepsy. Recently, an increased use-dependent desensitization due to a repetitive GABA stimulation (GABAA current rundown) of GABAARs has been associated with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Here, we aimed to investigate the molecular determinants of GABAA current rundown with two different heterologous expression systems (Xenopus oocytes and human embryonic kidney cells; HEK) which allowed us to manipulate receptor stoichiometry and to study the GABAA current rundown on different GABAAR configurations. To this purpose, we performed electrophysiology experiments using two-electrode voltage clamp in oocytes and confirming part of our results in HEK. We found that different degrees of GABAA current rundown can be associated with the expression of different GABAAR β-subunits reaching the maximum current decrease when functional α1β2 receptors are expressed. Furthermore, the blockade of phosphatases can prevent the current rundown observed in α1β2 GABAARs. Since GABAAR represents one important therapeutic target in the treatment of human epilepsy, our results could open new perspectives on the therapeutic management of drug-resistant patients showing a GABAergic impairment.

scholarly journals Quantitative linear dichroism imaging of molecular processes in living cells made simple by open software tools

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexey Bondar ◽  
Olga Rybakova ◽  
Josef Melcr ◽  
Jan Dohnálek ◽  
Petro Khoroshyy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Systems ◽  
Linear Dichroism ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
Living Cells ◽  
Software Tools ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Membrane Properties ◽  
Polarization Microscopy ◽  
Molecular Processes ◽  
Wide Range

AbstractFluorescence-detected linear dichroism microscopy allows observing various molecular processes in living cells, as well as obtaining quantitative information on orientation of fluorescent molecules associated with cellular features. Such information can provide insights into protein structure, aid in development of genetically encoded probes, and allow determinations of lipid membrane properties. However, quantitating and interpreting linear dichroism in biological systems has been laborious and unreliable. Here we present a set of open source ImageJ-based software tools that allow fast and easy linear dichroism visualization and quantitation, as well as extraction of quantitative information on molecular orientations, even in living systems. The tools were tested on model synthetic lipid vesicles and applied to a variety of biological systems, including observations of conformational changes during G-protein signaling in living cells, using fluorescent proteins. Our results show that our tools and model systems are applicable to a wide range of molecules and polarization-resolved microscopy techniques, and represent a significant step towards making polarization microscopy a mainstream tool of biological imaging.

Properties of visceral primary afferent neurons in the nodose ganglion of the rabbit

1985 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 245-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. E. Stansfeld ◽  
D. I. Wallis
Keyword(s):  
Action Potentials ◽  
Input Resistance ◽  
Nodose Ganglion ◽  
Time Dependent ◽  
Membrane Properties ◽  
Resting Potential ◽  
Inward Rectification ◽  
C Cells ◽  
Axonal Conduction ◽  
A Cells

The active and passive membrane properties of rabbit nodose ganglion cells and their responsiveness to depolarizing agents have been examined in vitro. Neurons with an axonal conduction velocity of less than 3 m/s were classified as C-cells and the remainder as A-cells. Mean axonal conduction velocities of A- and C-cells were 16.4 m/s and 0.99 m/s, respectively. A-cells had action potentials of brief duration (1.16 ms), high rate of rise (385 V/s), an overshoot of 23 mV, and relatively high spike following frequency (SFF). C-cells typically had action potentials with a "humped" configuration (duration 2.51 ms), lower rate of rise (255 V/s), an overshoot of 28.6 mV, an after potential of longer duration than A-cells, and relatively low SFF. Eight of 15 A-cells whose axons conducted at less than 10 m/s had action potentials of longer duration with a humped configuration; these were termed Ah-cells. They formed about 10% of cells whose axons conducted above 2.5 m/s. The soma action potential of A-cells was blocked by tetrodotoxin (TTX), but that of 6/11 C-cells was unaffected by TTX. Typically, A-cells showed strong delayed (outward) rectification on passage of depolarizing current through the soma membrane and time-dependent (inward) rectification on inward current passage. Input resistance was thus highly sensitive to membrane potential close to rest. In C-cells, delayed rectification was not marked, and slight time-dependent rectification occurred in only 3 of 25 cells; I/V curves were normally linear over the range: resting potential to 40 mV more negative. Data on Ah-cells were incomplete, but in our sample of eight cells time-dependent rectification was absent or mild. C-cells had a higher input resistance and a higher neuronal capacitance than A-cells. In a proportion of A-cells, RN was low at resting potential (5 M omega) but increased as the membrane was hyperpolarized by a few millivolts. A-cells were depolarized by GABA but were normally unaffected by 5-HT or DMPP. C-cells were depolarized by GABA in a similar manner to A-cells but also responded strongly to 5-HT; 53/66 gave a depolarizing response, and 3/66, a hyperpolarizing response. Of C-cells, 75% gave a depolarizing response to DMPP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Effects of ouabain on background and voltage-dependent currents in canine colonic myocytes

1990 ◽  
Vol 259 (3) ◽  
pp. C402-C408 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. P. Burke ◽  
K. M. Sanders
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Potential Gradient ◽  
Circular Muscle ◽  
Input Resistance ◽  
Pump Current ◽  
Muscle Layer ◽  
Membrane Properties ◽  
Resting Potential ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
In Cells

Previous studies have suggested that the membrane potential gradient across the circular muscle layer of the canine proximal colon is due to a gradient in the contribution of the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase. Cells at the submucosal border generate approximately 35 mV of pump potential, whereas at the myenteric border the pump contributes very little to resting potential. Results from experiments in intact muscles in which the pump is blocked are somewhat difficult to interpret because of possible effects of pump inhibitors on membrane conductances. Therefore, we studied isolated colonic myocytes to test the effects of ouabain on passive membrane properties and voltage-dependent currents. Ouabain (10(-5) M) depolarized cells and decreased input resistance from 0.487 +/- 0.060 to 0.292 +/- 0.040 G omega. The decrease in resistance was attributed to an increase in K+ conductance. Studies were also performed to measure the ouabain-dependent current. At 37 degrees C, in cells dialyzed with 19 mM intracellular Na+ concentration [( Na+]i), ouabain caused an inward current averaging 71.06 +/- 7.49 pA, which was attributed to blockade of pump current. At 24 degrees C or in cells dialyzed with low [Na+]i (11 mM), ouabain caused little change in holding current. With the input resistance of colonic cells, pump current appears capable of generating at least 35 mV. Thus an electrogenic Na+ pump could contribute significantly to membrane potential.

Femtosecond laser structuring of permeable and resorbable biomaterial

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 713-716
Author(s):  
Swen Grossmann ◽  
Sabine Illner ◽  
Robert Ott ◽  
Grit Rhinow ◽  
Carsten Tautorat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Femtosecond Laser ◽  
Biomedical Applications ◽  
Mechanical Characteristics ◽  
Membrane Properties ◽  
Fiber Network ◽  
Laser Technology ◽  
Laser Structuring ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Nanofiber Membranes ◽  
Post Production

Abstract Bioresorbable nanofiber nonwovens with their fascinating properties provide a wide range of potential biomedical applications. Modification of the material enables the adjustment of mechanical and biological characteristics depending on the desired application. Due to the nanosized fiber network, post-production structuring is very challenging. Within this study, we use femtosecond laser technology for structuring permeable and resorbable electrospun poly-L-lactide (PLLA) membranes. We show that this post-production process can be used without disturbing the fiber network near the structured areas. Furthermore, the modification of the water permeability and mechanical characteristics due to the laser structuring was investigated. The results prove femtosecond laser technology to be a promising method for the adjustment of the membrane properties and which in consequence can help to optimize cell adhesion, enable revascularization and open up applications of nanofiber membranes in personalized medicine.

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