Properties of the fast sodium channels in pyramidal neurones isolated from the CA1 and CA3 areas of the hippocampus of postnatal rats

Anti-inflammatory effects of the anticonvulsant drug levetiracetam on electrophysiological properties of astroglia are mediated via TGFβ1 regulation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The involvement of astrocytes as immune-competent players in inflammation and the pathogenesis of epilepsy and seizure-induced brain damage has recently been recognized. In clinical trials and practice, levetiracetam (LEV) has proven to be an effective antiepileptic drug (AED) in various forms of epileptic seizures, when applied as mono- or added therapy. Little is known about the mechanism(s) of action of LEV. Evidence so far suggests a mode of action different from that of classical AEDs. We have shown that LEV restored functional gap junction coupling and basic membrane properties in an astrocytic inflammatory model in vitro.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Here, we used neonatal rat astrocytes co-cultured with high proportions (30%) of activated microglia or treated with the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β to provoke inflammatory responses. Effects of LEV (50 µg·mL⁻¹) on electrophysiological properties of astrocytes (by whole cell patch clamp) and on secretion of TGFβ1 (by (ELISA)) were studied in these co-cultures.

KEY RESULTS

LEV restored impaired astrocyte membrane resting potentials via modification of inward and outward rectifier currents, and promoted TGFβ1 expression in inflammatory and control co-cultures. Furthermore, LEV and TGFβ1 exhibited similar facilitating effects on the generation of astrocyte voltage-gated currents in inflammatory co-cultures and the effects of LEV were prevented by antibody to TGFβ1.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Our data suggest that LEV is likely to reduce the harmful spread of excitation elicited by seizure events within the astro-glial functional syncytium, with stabilizing consequences for neuronal-glial interactions.

A classification method to distinguish cell-specific responses elicited by current pulses in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells

The suprathreshold electrophysiological responses of pyramidal cells have been grouped into large classes such as bursting and spiking. However, it is not known whether, within a class, response variability ranges uniformly across all cells or whether each cell has a unique and consistent profile that can be differentiated. A major difficulty when comparing suprathreshold responses is that slight variations in spike timing in otherwise very similar traces render traditional metrics ineffective. To address these issues, we developed a novel distance measure based on fiducial points to quantify the similarity among traces with trains of action potentials and applied it together with classification techniques to a set of in vitro patch clamp recordings from CA1 pyramidal cells. We tested if responses to repeated current stimulation of a given cell would cluster together yet remain distinct from those of other cells. We found that depolarizing and hyperpolarizing current pulses elicited responses in each cell that clustered and were systematically distinguishable from responses in other cells. The fiducial-point distance measure was more effective than other methods based on spike times and voltage-gradient phase planes. Depolarizing traces were more reliably differentiated than hyperpolarizing traces, and combining both scores was even more effective. These results suggest that each CA1 pyramidal cell has unique properties that can be detected and quantified with methods discussed here. This uniqueness may be due to slight variations in morphology or membrane channel densities and kinetics, or to large, coordinated variations in these elements. Ascertaining the actual sources and their degree of variability is important when constructing network models of neural function to ensure that key mechanisms are robust in the face of variations within these ranges. The analytical tools presented here can assist in constructing detailed cell models to match experimental records to elucidate the sources of electrophysiological variability in neurons.

Seizure-like afterdischarges simulated in a model neuron

To explore non-synaptic mechanisms in paroxysmal discharges, we used a computer model of a simplified hippocampal pyramidal cell, surrounded by interstitial space and a "glial-endothelial" buffer system. Ion channels for Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Cl- ion antiport 3Na/Ca, and "active" ion pumps were represented in the neuron membrane. The glia had "leak" conductances and an ion pump. Fluxes, concentration changes and cell swelling were computed. The neuron was stimulated by injecting current. Afterdischarge (AD) followed stimulation if depolarization due to rising interstitial K+ concentration ([K+]o) activated persistent Na+ current (INa.P). AD was either simple or self-regenerating; either regular (tonic) or burst-type (clonic); and always self-limiting. Self-regenerating AD required sufficient INa.P to ensure re-excitation. Burst firing depended on activation of dendritic Ca2+ currents and Ca-dependent K+ current. Varying glial buffer function influenced [K+]o accumulation and afterdischarge duration. Variations in Na+ and K+ currents influenced the threshold and the duration of AD. The data show that high [K+]o and intrinsic membrane currents can produce the feedback of self-regenerating afterdischarges without synaptic input. The simulated discharge resembles neuron behavior during paroxysmal firing in living brain tissue.

Conditions for the triggering of spreading depression studied with computer simulations

In spite of five decades of study, the biophysics of spreading depression (SD) is incompletely understood. Earlier we have modeled seizures and SD, and we have shown that currents through ion channels normally present in neuron membranes can generate SD-like depolarization. In the present study, we define the conditions for triggering SD and the parameters that influence its course in a model of a hippocampal pyramidal cell with more complete representation of ions and channels than the previous version. "Leak" conductances for Na(+), K(+), and Cl(-) and an ion pump were present in the membrane of the entire cell; fast inactivating voltage dependent conductances for sodium and potassium in the soma; "persistent" conductances in soma and apical dendrite, and K(+)- and voltage-dependent N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-controlled conductance in the apical dendrite. The neuron was surrounded by restricted interstitial space and by a "glia-endothelium" system of extracellular ion regulation bounded by a membrane having leak conductances and an ion pump. Ion fluxes and concentration changes were continuously computed as well as osmotic cell volume changes. As long as reuptake into the neuron and "buffering" by glia kept pace with K(+) released from the neuron, stimulating current applied to the soma evoked repetitive firing that stopped when stimulation ceased. When glial uptake was reduced, K(+) released from neurons could accumulate in the interstitium and keep the neuron depolarized so that strong depolarizing pulses injected into the soma were followed either by afterdischarge or SD. SD-like depolarization was ignited when depolarization spreading into the apical dendrite, activated persistent Na(+) current and NMDA-controlled current. With membrane parameters constant, varying the injected stimulating current influenced SD onset but neither the depolarization nor the increase in extracellular K(+). Glial "leak" conductance influenced SD duration and SD ignition point. Varying maximal conductances (representing channel density) also influenced SD onset time but not the amplitude of the depolarization. Hypoxia was simulated by turning off the Na-K exchange pump, and this resulted in SD-like depolarization. The results confirm that, once ignited, SD runs an all-or-none trajectory, the level of depolarization is governed by feedback involving ion shifts and glutamate acting on ion channels and not by the number of channels open, and SD is ignited if the net persistent membrane current in the apical dendrites turns inward.

Emerging rules for the distributions of active dendritic conductances

A key goal in neuroscience is to explain how the operations of a neuron emerge from sets of active channels with specific dendritic distributions. If general principles can be identified for these distributions, dendritic channels should reflect the computational role of a given cell type within its functional neural circuit. Here, we discuss insights from experimental and computational data on the distribution of voltage-gated channels in dendrites, and attempt to derive rules for how their interactions implement different dendritic functions. We propose that this type of analysis will be important for understanding behavioural processes in terms of single-neuron properties, and that it constitutes a step towards a 'functional proteomics' of nerve cells, which will be essential for defining neuronal phenotypes.

6-Hydroxykynurenic acid and kynurenic acid differently antagonise AMPA and NMDA receptors in hippocampal neurones

6-Hydroxykynurenic acid (6-HKA), a derivative of kynurenic acid (KYNA) extracted from Ginkgo biloba leaves, was tested for its putative glutamate receptor (GluR) antagonism in comparison to the scaffold substance. The patch-clamp method together with fast-application techniques were used to estimate inhibition by 6-HKA and KYNA of agonist binding at NMDA and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors (NMDARs and AMPARs) of CA1 pyramidal neurones. 6-Hydroxykynurenic acid proved to be a low-affinity antagonist. When comparing with KYNA, 6-HKA was less potent at NMDARs (IC(50) = 136 versus 59 microM), but showed a higher affinity to AMPARs (K(B) = 22 versus 172 microM). The replacement of 6-HKA and KYNA by glutamate was investigated on outside-out patches. Both antagonists competitively inhibited AMPAR responses and displayed fast unbinding kinetics, but the derivative was significantly slower displaced than KYNA (tau = 1.63 versus 1.22 ms). Our findings demonstrate that 6-hydroxylation considerably changes the pharmacological profile of KYNA. Among the 6-derivatives of KYNA, 6-HKA shows the highest affinity to AMPARS: Despite its relatively low lipophily, these properties might be of clinical relevance under conditions that compromise the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. Furthermore, 6-HKA should be a useful tool to analyse glutamate-mediated synaptic responses.

Developmental regulation of AMPA-receptor properties in CA1 pyramidal neurons of rat hippocampus

AMPA-receptor (AMPA-R) currents were recorded from CA1 pyramidal neurons in situ and after acute isolation from the hippocampus of 3- to 45-day-old rats. Membrane currents were analyzed by combining the patch clamp method with fast application techniques. The complete block of receptor currents by GYKI 53655 and the absence of modulation by Concanavalin A indicated that the cells exclusively expressed non-NMDA glutamate receptors of the AMPA subtype while functional kainate receptors could not be detected. The lowest sensitivity to kainate and NBQX was observed at postnatal day (p) 18. These changes might reflect a lower abundance of GluR1 at that developmental stage. A decrease of potentiation of receptor currents by cyclothiazide (CTZ), an acceleration of the recovery from CTZ potentiation and a faster and more complete desensitization of glutamate-evoked currents suggest an up-regulation of flop splice variants with increasing age. These functional data indicate that AMPA-R expression in CA1 pyramidal neurons varies during postnatal development which can be expected to influence the kinetics of synaptic transmission and the excitotoxic vulnerability as well.

Do neurons have a reserve of sodium channels for the generation of action potentials? A study on acutely isolated CA1 neurons from the guinea-pig hippocampus

The density of voltage-gated sodium channels is high in several regions of the neuronal membrane. It is unclear if this density of channels represents a reserve for the neuron, or if it fulfils a special role in action potential firing. This problem was addressed by studying sodium currents and action potentials in acutely isolated hippocampal CA1 neurons whose number of active sodium channels was acutely changed by applying the sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin (TTX) at different concentrations. The results show that more than a third of the sodium channels can fail without affecting the single action potential. Thus, the neurons have a remarkable surplus of sodium channels. The surplus, however, is necessary for repetitive action potential firing, as every decrease in the fraction of sodium channels reduces the maximal frequency of action potentials that can be generated by the neuron.

Electrophysiological characterization of Na+ currents in acutely isolated human hippocampal dentate granule cells

1. Properties of voltage-dependent Na+ currents were investigated in forty-two dentate granule cells (DGCs) acutely isolated from the resected hippocampus of twenty patients with therapy-refractory temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. 2. Depolarizing voltage commands elicited large, rapidly activating and inactivating Na+ currents (140 pS microm-2; 163 mM extracellular Na+) that were reduced in amplitude by lowering the Na+ gradient (43 mM extracellular Na+). At low temperatures (8-12 C), the time course of Na+ currents slowed and could be well described by the model of Hodgkin & Huxley. 3. Na+ currents were reversibly blocked by tetrodotoxin (TTX) and saxitoxin (STX) with a half-maximal block of 4.7 and 2.6 nM, respectively. In order to reduce series resistance errors, the Na+ current was partially blocked by low toxin concentrations (10-15 nM) in the experiments described below. Under these conditions, Na+ currents showed a threshold of activation of about -50 mV, and the voltages of half-maximal activation and inactivation were -29 and -55 mV, respectively. 4. The time course of recovery from inactivation could be described with a double-exponential function (time constants, 3-20 and 60-200 ms). The rapid and slow time constants showed a distinct voltage dependence with maximal values around -55 and -80 mV, respectively. These properties contributed to a reduction of the Na+ currents during repetitive stimulation that was more pronounced with higher stimulation frequencies and also showed a dependence on the holding potential. 5. In summary, the most striking features of DGC Na+ currents were the large current density and the presence of a current component showing a slow recovery from inactivation. Our data provide a basis for comparison with properties of Na+ currents in animal models of epilepsy, and for the study of drug actions in therapy-refractory epilepsy.

Corticosteroid effects on sodium and calcium currents in acutely dissociated rat CA1 hippocampal neurons

Consequences of corticosteroid receptor activation on voltage-dependent Na+ conductances were studied in acutely dissociated CA1 hippocampal neurons. This preparation was selected because of the compact electrotonic properties of dissociated neurons, allowing reliable voltage-clamp of the large and fast Na+ currents. The Na+ currents were studied in (i) neurons of adrenalectomized animals (no steroid receptors occupied), (ii) neurons from tissue of adrenalectomized rats treated in vitro with corticosterone and the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU38486 (selectively occupying the mineralocorticoid receptor), (iii) corticosterone-treated neurons of adrenalectomized animals (occupying both the mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors) and (iv) neurons of sham-operated animals. Activation and steady-state inactivation properties of the Na+ current recorded in neurons of adrenalectomized animals were slightly shifted (3-5 mV) to hyperpolarized potentials as compared to the Na+ currents from neurons of the other experimental groups. Furthermore, the removal from inactivation of the Na+ current in the group of neurons of adrenalectomized animals was relatively slow. Although small, these effects could influence neuronal properties like action potential generation and accommodation. Under the present experimental conditions, no apparent differences were seen between cells with predominant mineralocorticoid receptor activation and cells where both mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors were occupied. In contrast to Na+ currents, voltage-dependent Ca2+ currents displayed no steroid-dependent shifts in voltage-dependent properties. However, Ca2+ current amplitudes were increased by approximately 160% in CA1 neurons of adrenalectomized animals as compared to Ca2+ currents from neurons of the other experimental groups. We conclude that corticosteroid receptor activation affects various properties of voltage-dependent Na+ and Ca2+ conductances in CA1 neurons, indicating that the steroid receptors are involved in the modulation of neuronal excitability in these cells.

Identified glial cells in the early postnatal mouse hippocampus display different types of Ca2+ currents

Based on their typical pattern of membrane currents, four populations of glial cells could be identified in thin brain slices of the postnatal hippocampus. In the present study, we applied the patch-clamp technique to glial cells in the hippocampal CA1 region, which are characterized by a complex pattern of different Na+ and K+ currents ("complex" cells). These cells were identified as non-neuronal cells, most likely astrocytes, by their glutamine synthetase immunoreactivity. Two types of glial Ca2+ currents could be identified that differed in their kinetics and pharmacological properties. A low-voltage activated (LVA), fast inactivating component was activated at membrane potentials positive to -60 mV and reached maximum current amplitudes at about -20 mV. This current was sensitive to amiloride and thus displayed properties of neuronal LVA currents. The threshold potential of the second Ca2+ current component was at about -40 mV, and peak currents were observed at 0 mV. In contrast to the LVA component, the inactivation of these high-voltage activated (HVA) currents slowed down with increasing depolarizations. This current was sensitive to low concentrations of Cd2+ but was not affected by amiloride. A small fraction of the HVA currents was sensitive to nifedipine, and omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega-CgTx) was also found to reduce the glial HVA component. The study provides electrophysiological and pharmacological characterization of different types of Ca2+ currents in gray matter glial cells in situ.

Electrophysiological properties of neurones in cultures from postnatal rat dentate gyrus

Electrophysiological properties of neurofilament-positive neurones in dissociated cell cultures were prepared at postnatal days 4-5 from rat dentate gyrus and studied using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. These cells expressed a fast-inactivating, 0.5 microM tetrodotoxin-sensitive Na+ current; a high-voltage-activated (HVA) Ca2+ current, which was 30 microM Cd(2+)- and partially 2 microM nicardipine-sensitive; and an inward rectifier current, which was sensitive to extracellularly applied 1 mM Cs+. The outward current pattern was composed of a delayed rectifier-like outward current sensitive to 20 mM tetraethylammonium (TEA) and a fast-inactivating, Ca(2+)-dependent outward current. This transient Ca(2+)-dependent K+ outward current was identified by a subtraction procedure. K+ currents recorded under conditions of blocked Ca2+ currents (after rundown of the HVA Ca2+ current or blocked by extracellularly applied Cd2+) were subtracted from control currents. By comparison with the current pattern of identified dentate granule cells, it is concluded that the investigated cell type originated from interneurones or projection neurones of the dentate hilus.

Na+ channel beta 1 subunit mRNA expression in developing rat central nervous system

The sodium channel beta 1 subunit (Na beta 1) is a component of the rat brain voltage-dependent sodium channel. We have used nonradioactive in situ hybridization cytochemical techniques to demonstrate that transcript levels of Na beta 1 are differentially upregulated during postnatal development of several CNS regions, with selective labeling of specific neuronal populations. In the hippocampus, labeling of the pyramidal cell layer (particularly in the CA3 region) and dentate granule cells was initially observed at postnatal day 2 (P2) and P10, respectively, and became progressively more intense with maturation. Labeled cells were first observed in the hilus at P10. In the developing cerebellum, transient labeling was observed in the external granule cell layer beginning at P1 while label increased in the internal granule cell layer up to P21. Purkinje cells showed significant label beginning at P4 and increasing up to P21. Weak signal was seen in neurons of deep nuclei at P1 and increased up to P21. Na beta 1 labeling in the spinal cord was first observed in the ventral horn at P2, and the intensity of labeling in these large motoneurons gradually increased. In addition, there was a ventral-dorsal gradient in this region, with label appearing subsequently in neurons of Rexed laminae IX, VII and VIII, and in the dorsal horn (Rexed laminae I-VI). In these regions, the labeling reached a plateau within the first 2-3 weeks after birth and persisted into the adult rat. The time course and regional heterogeneity of Na beta 1 expression are consistent with the hypothesis that the expression of mature Na+ channels, including Na beta 1, contributes to the development of circuitry that supports complex patterns of electrogenesis.

Developmental regulation of Na+ and K+ conductances in glial cells of mouse hippocampal brain slices

The relative contribution of voltage activated Na+ and K+ currents to the whole cell current pattern of hippocampal glial cells was analyzed and compared during different stages of postnatal maturation. The patch-clamp technique was applied to identified cells in thin brain slices obtained from animals between postnatal day 5 and 35 (p5-35). We focused on a subpopulation of glial cells in the CA1 stratum radiatum which most probably represents a pool of immature astrocytes, termed "complex" cells. These cells could not be labelled by O1/O4 antibodies, but some of the older cells were positively stained for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). In the early postnatal days, the current pattern of the "complex" cells was dominated by two types of K+ outward currents: a delayed rectifier and a transient component. In addition, all cells expressed significant tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive Na+ currents. During maturation, the contribution of delayed rectifier and A-type currents significantly decreased. Furthermore, almost all cells after p20 lacked Na+ currents. This down-regulation of voltage gated Na+ and K+ outward currents was accompanied by a substantial increase in passive and inward rectifier K+ conductances. We found increasing evidence of electrical coupling between the "complex" cells with continued development. It is concluded that these developmental changes in the electrophysiological properties of "complex" glial cells could be jointly responsible for the well known impaired K+ homeostasis in the early postnatal hippocampus.

Characterization of single voltage-gated Na+ and Ca2+ channels in apical dendrites of rat CA1 pyramidal neurons

1. We have used dendrite-attached patch-clamp techniques to record single Na+ and Ca2+ channel activity from the apical dendrites (up to 350 microns away from soma) of CA1 pyramidal neurons in rat hippocampal slices (ages: 2-8 weeks). 2. Na+ channels were found in every patch examined (range: 2 to > 20 channels per patch). Channel openings, which had a slope conductance of 15 +/- 0.3 pS (mean +/- S.E.M.), began with test commands to around -50 mV and consisted of both early transient channel activity and also later occurring prolonged openings of 5-15 ms. All Na+ channel activity was suppressed by inclusion of TTX (1 microM) in the recording pipette. 3. Ca2+ channel activity was recorded in about 80% of the patches examined (range: 1 to > 10 channels per patch). Several types of channel behaviour were observed in these patches. Single channel recordings in 110 mM BaCl2, revealed an approximately 10 pS channel of small unitary current amplitude (-0.5 pA at -20 mV). These channels began activating at relatively hyperpolarized potentials (-50 mV) and ensemble averages of this low voltage-activated (LVA) channel activity showed rapid inactivation. 4. A somewhat heterogeneous population of high voltage-activated, moderate conductance (HVAm; approximately 17 pS), Ca2+ channel activity was also encountered. These channels exhibited a relatively large unitary amplitude (-0.8 pA at 0 mV) and ensemble averages demonstrated moderate inactivation. The HVAm population of channels could be tentatively subdivided into two separate groups based upon mean channel open times. 5. Less frequently, HVA, large conductance (27 pS) Ca2+ channel activity (HVA1) was also observed. This large unitary amplitude (-1.5 pA at 0 mV) channel activity began with steps to approximately 0 mV and ensemble averages did not show any time-dependent inactivation. The dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel agonist Bay K 8644 (0.5 or 1 microM) was found to characteristically prolong these channel openings. 6. omega-Conotoxin MVIIC (10 microM), did not significantly reduce the amount of channel activity recorded from the LVA, HVAm or HVA1 channel types in dendritic patches. In patches from somata, omega-conotoxin MVIIC was effective in eliminating a significant amount of HVAm Ca2+ channel activity. Inclusion of 50 or 100 microM NiCl2 to the recording solution significantly reduced the amount of channel activity recorded from LVA and HVAm channel types in dendritic patches. A subpopulation of HVAm channels was, however, found to be Ni2+ insensitive. Dendritic HVA, channel activity was unaffected by these low concentrations of Ni2+.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Properties of voltage-activated Na+ and K+ currents in mouse hippocampal glial cells in situ and after acute isolation from tissue slices

In the present study, we were interested in a quantitative analysis of voltage-activated channels in a subpopulation of hippocampal glial cells, termed "complex" cells. The patch-clamp technique in the whole-cell mode was applied to identified cells in situ and to glial cells acutely isolated from tissue slices. The outward current was composed of two components: a sustained and a transient current. The transient K+ channel had electrophysiological and pharmacological properties resembling those of the channel through which the A-currents pass. In addition, this glial A-type current possessed a significant Ca2+ dependence. The current parameters determined in situ or in isolated cells corresponded well. Due to space clamp problems in situ, properties of voltage-dependent Na+ currents were only analysed in suspended glial cells. The tetrodotoxin (TTX) sensitivity and the stationary and kinetic characteristics of this current were similar to corresponding properties of hippocampal neurons. These quantitative data demonstrate that at an early postnatal stage of central nervous system maturation, glial cells in situ express a complex pattern of voltage-gated ion channels. The results are compared to findings in other preparations and the possible consequences of transmitter-mediated channel modulation in glial cells are discussed.

In situ hybridization localization of the Na+ channel beta 1 subunit mRNA in rat CNS neurons

Localization of Na+ channel beta 1 subunit (Na beta 1) mRNA was examined in adult rat hippocampus, cerebellum and spinal cord by in situ hybridization histochemistry. In hippocampus, Na beta 1 mRNA was strongly expressed by CA3 followed by CA1 pyramidal cells and dentate granule cells. In cerebellum, strong Na beta 1 mRNA expression was observed in Purkinje cells and moderate expression in granule cells and scattered cells of the molecular layer. In spinal cord, neurons in gray matter exhibited moderate to strong expression of Na beta 1 mRNA. These results provide the first localization study of Na beta 1 mRNA in the CNS, demonstrating a differential expression in different neurons.

Characteristics of Na+ current in Schwann cells cultured from frog sciatic nerve

Characteristics of voltage-dependent currents in cultured frog Schwann cells were investigated by the whole-cell clamp technique. An inward current was detectable at a membrane potential level more positive than -50 mV and reached a maximum value at about -10 mV, while no rectifying channel was present. The inward current was carried by Na+ ions, because the extrapolated reversal potential of the current agreed with the calculated ENa, and the current was sensitive to tetrodotoxin. The membrane potential for half-maximal inactivation was -82 mV. The inactivation curve indicated that more than 90% of the Na+ channels were inactivated at the resting membrane potential, suggesting that the cultured frog Schwann cells could not generate an action potential under physiological conditions. The time constant for the inactivation at a maximum current was 5.3 ms (-10 mV, 13 degrees C). The electrophysiological characteristics of the Na+ current in the cultured frog Schwann cells were compared with those in other tissues. This Na+ current was quantitatively different from that observed in the amphibian node of Ranvier but was similar to that in the mammalian Schwann or glial cells, especially in the more hyperpolarized half-maximal inactivation potential and in the slower inactivation time course.

A heart-like Na+ current in the medial entorhinal cortex

Acutely dissociated neurons from the superficial layers of the medial entorhinal cortex of the rat were studied under voltage clamp using the whole-cell patch-clamp configuration. Neurons from the medial entorhinal cortex exhibit a tetrodotoxin (TTX)-resistant Na+ current (ITTX-R; IC50 approximately 146 nM), in addition to the normal TTX-sensitive Na+ current (ITTX-S; IC50 approximately 6 nM). ITTX-R was found in both putative stellate and putative pyramidal neurons from the medial entorhinal cortex. ITTX-R is kinetically indistinguishable from ITTX-S, but can be distinguished from ITTX-S based on its enhanced sensitivity to block by Cd2+, La3+, and Zn2+. ITTX-R is kinetically and pharmacologically similar to the TTX-resistant Na+ current found in cardiac muscle.

Somatic sodium channels of frog olfactory receptor neurones are inactivated at rest

Membrane excitability of acutely isolated olfactory receptor neurones (ORNs) of the grass frog (R. pipiens) was studied with the use of the whole-cell "tight-seal" patch recording technique. ORNs of the frog had a mean resting membrane potential of -52 mV, a mean input resistance of 1-2 G omega, and a mean capacitance of 4.5 pF. In the majority of cells examined (over 70%), short duration (several milliseconds) action potentials were elicited at the end of a hyperpolarising pulse (off-spike) or following hyperpolarization of the membrane potential by injection of current. Under voltage-clamp conditions, a fast inward current followed by an outward current could be evoked upon depolarisation of the membrane. The fast inward current decayed with a time constant of 1-2 ms, with an e-fold decrease per 52 mV increase in voltage, and was blocked by the selective voltage-dependent sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin (0.5-1 microM). Steady-state inactivation studies revealed that the mean voltage for half-inactivation (V1/2) was -82 mV (range -72 to -98 mV), which indicates that the voltage-dependent Na+ channels in the cell body or soma of frog ORNs are not available for conducting currents at the resting membrane potential. This finding raises the possibility that voltage-dependent Na+ channels may not play a significant role in sensory transduction at the soma. Our results indicate that ORNs of the frog are very efficient in transducing signals towards the brain since currents generated at the cilia will be directed towards depolarising the axons.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Proteolytic enzymes do not destroy the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) sensitivity of acutely isolated hippocampal CA1 and CA3 neurons from postnatal rats

Using whole cell recordings in combination with the concentration clamp technique it was shown that even enzymatically isolated hippocampal CA1 and CA3 neurons exhibit N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and L-aspartate currents. These currents were completely blocked by 0.5 mM Mg2+ or partially blocked (72.7 +/- 2.4%) by DL-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (50 microM) whereas 10 microM glycine (Gly) potentiated the NMDA responses (3.1 +/- 1.6-fold). A half-maximum dose of 55 microM was calculated from the sigmoid NMDA dose-response curve in the presence of 10 microM Gly. The amplitudes of these currents did not depend on the type of the proteolytic enzyme used for cell isolation.