Multiple Ca2+ currents elicited by action potential waveforms in acutely isolated adult rat dorsal root ganglion neurons.

Ca2+ entry into different diameter cell bodies of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons depolarized with action potential (AP) waveform commands was studied using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique and pharmacological probes. We have previously shown that Ca2+ current expression in DRG neuron cell bodies depends on cell diameter. In small diameter DRG neurons, L- and N-type Ca2+ currents usually accounted for most Ca2+ entry during APs as determined by blockade with nimodipine and omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega-CgTx). In medium- diameter DRG neurons, T-type Ca2+ currents accounted for 29% or 54% of Ca2+ entry in cells held at -60 mV or -80 mV, respectively, based on blockade by amiloride. T-type Ca2+ currents did not usually contribute to Ca2+ entry in large diameter DRG neurons. An amiloride/omega-CgTx/nimodipine-resistant Ca2+ current was prominent in medium diameter DRG neurons, while L- and N-type Ca2+ currents played a relatively small role in Ca2+ entry. In all DRG neuron sizes, AP-generated currents were large in amplitude, resulting in significant Ca2+ entry. APs with slower rates of repolarization increased Ca2+ entry. In DRG neurons that expressed T-type Ca2+ currents, the duration of Ca2+ current entry during APs was prolonged, and this prolongation was reduced by amiloride. Thus, antagonists selective for different Ca2+ channels produced different patterns of blockade of AP-generated Ca2+ entry in different diameter DRG cell bodies. Selective Ca2+ channel modulation by neurotransmitters might be expected to have similar effects.     

Intrinsic membrane potential oscillations in hippocampal neurons in vitro

Membrane potential oscillations (MPOs) of 2-10 Hz and up to 6 mV were found in almost all stable hippocampal CA1 and CA3 neurons in the in vitro slice preparation. MPOs were prominent for pyramidal cells but less pronounced in putative interneurons. MPOs were activated at threshold depolarizations that evoked a spike and the frequency of the MPOs increased with the level of depolarization. MPOs were distinct from and seemed to regulate spiking, with a spike often riding near the top of a depolarizing MPO wave. Analysis of the periodicity of the oscillations indicate that the period of MPOs did not depend on the afterhyperpolarization (AHP) following a single spike. MPOs persisted in low (0-0.1 mM) Ca2+ medium, with or without Cd2+ (0.2 mM), when synaptic transmission was blocked. Choline-substituted low-Na+ (0-26 mM) medium, 3 microM tetrodotoxin (TTX) or intracellular injection of QX-314 reduced or abolished the fast Na(+)-spike and reduced inward anomalous rectification. About 40% of CA1 neurons had no MPOs after Na+ currents were blocked, suggesting that these MPOs were Na(+)-dependent. In about 60% of the cells, a large depolarization activated Ca(2+)-dependent MPOs and slow spikes. MPOs were not critically affected by extracellular Ba2+ or Cs2+, or by 0.2 mM 4-aminopyridine, with or without 2 mM tetraethylammonium (TEA). However, in 5-10 mM TEA medium, MPOs were mostly replaced by 0.2-3 Hz spontaneous bursts of wide-duration spikes followed by large AHPs. Low Ca2+, Cd2+ medium greatly reduced the spike width but not the spike-bursts. In conclusion, each cycle of an MPO in normal medium probably consists of a depolarization phase mediated by Na+ currents, possibly mixed with Ca2+ currents activated at a higher depolarization. The repolarization/hyperpolarization phase may be mediated by Na+/Ca2+ current inactivation and partly by TEA-sensitive, possibly the delayed rectifier, K+ currents. The presence of prominent intrinsic, low-threshold MPOs in all hippocampal pyramidal neurons suggests that MPOs may play an important role in information processing in the hippocampus.     

Characterisation of the L- and N-type calcium channels in differentiated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells: calcium imaging and single channel recording.

We have used single cell imaging of [Ca2+]i and single channel cell-attached patch clamp recording to characterise the Ca2+ channels present on the plasma membrane of retinoic acid-differentiated human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells. Exposure to raised K+ (45 or 60 mM) for 1 min resulted in a transient rise in [Ca2+]i which was abolished by cadmium (100 microM). The amplitude of the evoked rise varied from cell to cell. Both omega-Conus toxin (500 nM) and nifedipine (10 microM) reduced, but did not abolish, the rise in [Ca2+]i whereas Bay K 8644 (3 microM) potentiated it. In single channel records both L- and N-type Ca2+ channel openings were observed during membrane depolarisations from a holding potential of -90 mV. L-type channel openings (unitary conductance 22.5 pS) were prolonged by S(+)-PN 202-791 (500 nM) and could still be evoked from a depolarised holding potential (-40 mV). N-type channel openings (unitary conductance 12.5 pS) were unaffected by the dihydropyridine agonist but were inactivated at a holding potential of -40 mV. These results indicate that, in contrast to previous observations using whole cell recording, retinoic acid-differentiated SH-SY5Y cells express both L- and N-type Ca2+ channels.     

Agonist- and voltage-gated calcium entry in cultured mouse spinal cord neurons under voltage clamp measured using arsenazo III

Spinal cord neurons is dissociated cell culture were loaded with the calcium indicator arsenazo III using the whole-cell patch-clamp recording technique. Under voltage-clamp, depolarizing voltage steps evoked transient increases in absorbance at 660 nm, with no change at 570 nm, the isosbestic wavelength for calcium-arsenazo III complexes. The optical response occurred with a threshold depolarization to -30 mV, peaked at +10 mV, and decreased with further depolarization, consistent with an elevation of cytoplasmic free calcium resulting from Ca2+ flux through voltage-dependent calcium channels. Inward current responses to the excitatory amino acids N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) and L-glutamate were also accompanied by calcium transients; these were dose-dependent, varied with the driving force for inward current, and were blocked by extracellular Mg2+ in a voltage-dependent manner, suggesting Ca2+ flux through NMDA-receptor channels. Responses to kainate, quisqualate, and GABA were not accompanied by comparable calcium transients. [Ca2+]i transients evoked by depolarizing voltage steps were of maximal amplitude at the start of recording and declined with time, reflecting rundown of voltage-dependent calcium channels. In contrast, [Ca2+]i transients evoked by NMDA gradually increased in amplitude during periods of whole-cell recording lasting 1-2 hr. Procedures resulting in loading of the neuron with Ca2+ accelerated the increase in amplitude of [Ca2+]i transients evoked by NMDA, but slowed the decay of [Ca2+]i transients evoked by voltage steps. Our results provide evidence for 2 independent sources of transmembrane Ca2+ flux in vertebrate neurons, through voltage-gated calcium channels and through NMDA-receptor channels. The Ca2+ flux gated by NMDA-receptor-specific agonists may play a role in synaptic plasticity, in regulating excitability, and in the excitotoxic response to excitatory amino acids.     

Inhibition of calcium currents in cultured myenteric neurons by neuropeptide Y: evidence for direct receptor/channel coupling.

Single channel recordings from rat myenteric plexus neurons demonstrated the presence of two categories of Ca2+ channels. One type of Ca channel had a slope conductance of 27 pS and was sensitive to dihydropyridines while the other channel type had a conductance of 14 pS and was dihydropyridine-insensitive. The 14 pS channel was mostly inactivated at a holding potential of -40 mV, while the 27 pS channel was much more resistant to depolarized holding potentials. A majority of whole-cell current was reprimed by the use of negative holding (-90 mV) potentials, when compared to that obtained at a holding potential of -40 mV. These properties are consistent with N- and L-type Ca channels previously described. In general, the inactivating part of the whole-cell Ca2+ current, selectively reprimed by negative holding potentials, was inhibited by neuropeptide Y (NPY). Depolarization-induced [Ca2+]i transients assessed using fura-2 showed that the inhibitory effects of nitrendipine and NPY were additive. The effects of NPY were abolished by pertussis toxin pretreatment. Single-channel experiments showed that neither the 14 nor the 27 pS Ca channel currents were inhibited by the addition of NPY outside the patch pipette. These results suggest that NPY modulates N-type Ca2+ channels selectively in these neurons and that an easily diffusible second messenger does not appear to participate in receptor/channel coupling.     

Cellular mechanisms underlying the rhythmic bursts induced by NMDA microiontophoresis at the apical dendrites of CA1 pyramidal neurons

This article reports the cellular mechanisms underlying a form of intracellular "theta-like" (theta-like) rhythm evoked in vitro by microiontophoresis of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) at the apical dendrites of CA1 pyramidal neurons. Rhythmic membrane potential (Vm) oscillations and action potential (AP) bursts (approximately 6 Hz; approximately 20 mV; approximately 2-5 APs) were evoked in all cells. The response lasted approximately 2 s, and the initial oscillations were usually small (< 20 mV) and below AP threshold. Rhythmic bursts were never evoked by imposed depolarization in the absence of NMDA. Block of Na+ conductance with tetrodotoxin (TTX) (1.5 microM), of non-NMDA receptors with 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) (20 microM) and of synaptic inhibition by bicuculline (50 microM) and picrotoxin (50 microM) did not prevent NMDA oscillation. Inhibition of the voltage dependence of the NMDA conductance in Mg2+-free Ringer's solution blocked oscillations. Preventing Ca2+ influx with Ca2+-free and Co2+ (2-mM) solutions and block of the slow Ca2+-dependent afterhyperpolarization (sAHP) by carbamilcholine (5 microM), isoproterenol (10 microM), and intracellular BAPTA blocked NMDA oscillations. Inhibition of L-type Ca2+ conductance with nifedipine (30 microM) reduced oscillation amplitude. Block of tetraethylammonium (TEA) (10 mM) and 4AP (10 mM)-sensitive K+ conductance increased the duration and amplitude, but not the frequency, of oscillations. In conclusion, theta-like bursts relied on the voltage dependence of the NMDA conductance and on high-threshold Ca2+ spikes to initiate and boost the depolarizing phase of oscillations. The repolarization is initiated by TEA-sensitive K+ conductance and is controlled by the sAHP. These results suggest a role of interactions between NMDA conductance and intrinsic membrane properties in generating the CA1 theta-rhythm.     

Activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors augments repolarizing responses in lamprey spinal neurons

Current- and voltage-clamp techniques were used to analyze the mechanisms underlying the repolarization during N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced, tetrodotoxin-resistant pacemaker-like oscillations in lamprey spinal neurons. Long-lasting depolarizing current pulses (15-40 mV, 50-400 ms, tetrodotoxin and tetraethylammonium present) were followed by hyperpolarizing afterpotentials even when NMDA receptors were blocked, but they were markedly enhanced by application of N-methyl-D,L-aspartate (NM(DL)A). The afterpotentials were depressed by replacing Ca2+ with Ba2+. During voltage-clamp NM(DL)A enhanced a Ba2+-sensitive outward tail current following voltage steps of 15-40 mV. The outward current remained after injection of Cl-, as did the NMDA-induced membrane potential oscillations observed under current-clamp. These results suggest that the repolarization during NMDA-induced oscillations is due to Ca2+ entry both via NMDA-gated channels and conventional voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, leading to an activation of Ca2+-dependent K+ channels. The afterhyperpolarization following single action potentials, which is also due to Ca2+-dependent K+ channels, was not significantly altered by NMDA receptor activation, suggesting a different location of the Ca2+ entry during the two conditions in relation to the location of the activated Ca2+-dependent K+ channels.     

Ca1.2 and CaV1.3 neuronal L-type calcium channels: differential targeting and signaling to pCREB

Neurons express multiple types of voltage-gated calcium (Ca2+) channels. Two subtypes of neuronal L-type Ca2+ channels are encoded by CaV1.2 and CaV1.3 pore-forming subunits. To compare targeting of CaV1.2 and CaV1.3 L-type Ca2+ channels, we transfected rat hippocampal neuronal cultures with surface-epitope-tagged sHA-CaV1.2 or sHA-CaV1.3a constructs and found that: (i) both sHA-CaV1.2 and sHA-CaV1.3a form clusters on the neuronal plasma membrane surface; (ii) when compared with sHA-CaV1.2 surface clusters, the sHA-CaV1.3a surface clusters were 10% larger and 25% brighter, but 35% less abundant; (iii) 81% of sHA-CaV1.2 surface clusters, but only 48% of sHA-CaV1.3a surface clusters, co-localized with synapsin clusters; (iv) co-expression with GFP-Shank-1B had no significant effect on sHA-CaV1.2 surface clusters, but promoted formation and synaptic localization of sHA-CaV1.3a surface clusters. In experiments with dihydropyridine-resistant CaV1.2 and CaV1.3a mutants we demonstrated that CaV1.3a L-type Ca2+ channels preferentially mediate nuclear pCREB signaling in hippocampal neurons at low, but not at high, levels of stimulation. In experiments with primary neuronal cultures from CaV1.3 knockout mice we discovered that CaV1.3 channels play a more important role in pCREB signaling in striatal medium spiny neurons than in hippocampal neurons. Our results provide novel insights into the function of CaV1.2 and CaV1.3 L-type Ca2+ channels in the brain.     

Calcium-activated potassium conductances contribute to action potential repolarization at the soma but not the dendrites of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons.

Evidence is accumulating that voltage-gated channels are distributed nonuniformly throughout neurons and that this nonuniformity underlies regional differences in excitability within the single neuron. Previous reports have shown that Ca2+, Na+, A-type K+, and hyperpolarization-activated, mixed cation conductances have varying distributions in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons, with significantly different densities in the apical dendrites compared with the soma. Another important channel mediates the large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ current (IC), which is responsible in part for repolarization of the action potential (AP) and generation of the afterhyperpolarization that follows the AP recorded at the soma. We have investigated whether this current is activated by APs retrogradely propagating in the dendrites of hippocampal pyramidal neurons using whole-cell dendritic patch-clamp recording techniques. We found no IC activation by back-propagating APs in distal dendritic recordings. Dendritic APs activated IC only in the proximal dendrites, and this activation decayed within the first 100-150 micrometer of distance from the soma. The decay of IC in the proximal dendrites occurred despite AP amplitude, plus presumably AP-induced Ca2+ influx, that was comparable with that at the soma. Thus we conclude that IC activation by action potentials is nonuniform in the hippocampal pyramidal neuron, which may represent a further example of regional differences in neuronal excitability that are determined by the nonuniform distribution of voltage-gated channels in dendrites.     

Glutamate-induced calcium transient triggers delayed calcium overload and neurotoxicity in rat hippocampal neurons.

Glutamate-induced changes in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) were recorded in single rat hippocampal neurons grown in primary culture by employing the Ca2+ indicator indo-1 and a dual-emission microfluorimeter. The [Ca2+]i was monitored in neurons exposed to 100 microM glutamate for 5 min and for an ensuing 3 hr period. Ninety-two percent (n = 64) of these neurons buffered the glutamate-induced Ca2+ load back to basal levels after removal of the agonist; thus, the majority of cells had not lost the ability to regulate [Ca2+]i at this time. However, following a variable delay, in 44% (n = 26) of the neurons that buffered glutamate-induced Ca2+ loads to basal levels, [Ca2+]i rose again to a sustained plateau and failed to recover. The changes in [Ca2+]i that occur during glutamate-induced delayed neuronal death can be divided into three phases: (1) a triggering phase during which the neuron is exposed to glutamate and the [Ca2+]i increases to micromolar levels, followed by (2) a latent phase during which the [Ca2+]i recovers to a basal level, and (3) a final phase that begins with a gradual rise in the [Ca2+]i that reaches a sustained plateau from which the neuron does not recover. This delayed Ca2+ overload phase correlated significantly with cell death. The same sequence of events was also observed in recordings from neuronal processes. The delayed Ca2+ increase and subsequent death were dependent upon the presence of extracellular Ca2+ during glutamate exposure. Calcium influx during the triggering phase resulted from the activation of both NMDA and non-NMDA receptors as indicated by studies using receptor antagonists and ion substitution. Treatment with TTX (1 microM) or removal of extracellular Ca2+ for a 30 min window following agonist exposure failed to prevent the delayed Ca2+ overload. The delayed [Ca2+]i increase could be reversed by removing extracellular Ca2+, indicating that it resulted from Ca2+ influx. The three phases defined by changes in the [Ca2+]i during glutamate-induced neuronal toxicity suggest three distinct targets to which neuroprotective agents may be directed.     

Changes in the intracellular calcium concentration and transmembrane currents, evoked by iontophoretic injections of cyclic AMP, in Helix pomatia neurons

Transmembrane currents and intracellular concentration of free Ca2+ were measured in voltage-clamped isolated neurons of Helix pomatia following the injection of cAMP. In most neurons in the range of membrane potentials from -40 to -100 mV cAMP injection induced both inward current and a long-lasting increase in [Ca2+]in. In the Ca-free external medium and after addition of EGTA (a Ca chelator) to it, the cAMP-induced inward current and [Ca2+]in increase remained unchanged. In most cases in Na-free external solution the cAMP-induced inward current markedly decreased, whereas [Ca2+]in changes remained as it were. Cd2+ (2 mM) did not affect the cAMP-induced current and [Ca2+]in increase. Both procaine++ and ryanodine (inhibitors of Ca release from intracellular stores) did not change the cAMP-induced effects. La3+ (1 mM) blocked both the inward current and an increase of [Ca2+]in. Obtained data confirm the hypothesis of cAMP-mediated Ca release from the intracellular stores.     

Syntaxin I modulation of presynaptic calcium channel inactivation revealed by botulinum toxin C1

The chick ciliary ganglion calyx-type nerve terminal was used to examine voltage-sensitive inactivation of presynaptic N-type Ca2+ channels and to test if this inactivation is modulated by the transmitter release-associated protein syntaxin I. We tested the role of this protein with botulinum toxin C1 (BtC1) which cleaves syntaxin I close to its membrane anchor. The presynaptic Ca2+ current inactivated as two distinct populations with approximately 75% inactivating at a depolarized potential, V1/2 approximately -15 mV, with the remainder inactivating at approximately -75 mV. BtC1 had no detectable effect on the latter component but resulted in a approximately 7 mV positive shift in the V1/2 of the -15 mV inactivating component. These results confirm that the bulk of presynaptic N-type Ca2+ channels are in general resistant to voltage dependent inactivation and provide the first direct evidence that the physiological properties of presynaptic nerve terminal Ca2+ channels are subject to modulation by release site-associated proteins.     

Voltage-dependent calcium channels regulate melatonin output from cultured chick pineal cells

Chick pineal cells maintained in primary culture display a circadian rhythm of melatonin production and release, and the nocturnal increase in melatonin output is enhanced by elevating extracellular K+. The divalent cations, Co2+, Cd2+, and Mn2+, each reduce nocturnal melatonin output. Nitrendipine and nifedipine also prevent the nocturnal rise in melatonin output, while Bay K 8644 increases it, suggesting a role for voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels in regulating melatonin output. The whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to record from individual chick pineal cells. Under conditions designed to isolate currents through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, biphasic inward currents are elicited by large depolarizing commands (e.g., to 0 mV) from a holding potential of -90 mV; from a holding potential of -40 mV, only a sustained inward current is elicited by steps to 0 mV. Both components of the inward current are blocked by Co2+ or Cd2+. The sustained current is increased in amplitude by Bay K 8644 and blocked by nifedipine, while the transient current is unaffected. Since there is no evidence for vesicular release of melatonin, the "L-type" calcium channels mediating the sustained calcium current appear to be involved in the pathways regulating melatonin synthesis in chick pineal cells.     

Bradykinin-induced intracellular Ca2+ elevation in neuroblastoma X glioma hybrid NG108-15 cells; relationship to the action of inositol phospholipids metabolites

The effect of bradykinin on the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in NG108-15 cells was studied using a Ca2+ indicator quin 2. Bradykinin induced two phases of change in [Ca2+]i. Bradykinin induced a spike phase of [Ca2+]i increase which was detectable within 15 s and decayed to near-basal concentration in 3 min and then a prolonged plateau phase of [Ca2+]i increase which continued for 15 min. The bradykinin-induced spike phase was not diminished by decreasing extracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]o) to 1 microM. On the contrary, the plateau phase was dependent on [Ca2+]o and inhibited by Ca2+ blockers, verapamil (50 microM), nifedipine (1 microM). The iontophoretic injection of inositol-trisphosphate (IP3) into the single cell induced the increase of [Ca2+]i, which was independent of [Ca2+]o. These results indicate that the bradykinin-induced spike phase is mediated by the release of intracellular Ca2+ stores induced by IP3, while the plateau phase is mediated by influx of extracellular Ca2+ probably through voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels.     

Melanotrope cells of Xenopus laevis express multiple types of high-voltage-activated Ca2+ channels

Pituitary melanotrope cells are neuroendocrine signal transducing cells that translate physiological stimuli into adaptive hormonal responses. In this translation process, Ca2+ channels play essential roles. We have characterised which types of Ca2+ current are present in melanotropes of the amphibian Xenopus laevis, using whole-cell, voltage-clamp, patch-clamp experiments and specific blockers of the various current types. Running an activation current-voltage relationship protocol from a holding potential (HP) of -80 mV/or -110 mV, shows that Xenopus melanotropes possess only high-voltage activated (HVA) Ca2+ currents. Steady-state inactivation protocols reveal that no inactivation occurs at -80 mV, whereas 30% of the current is inactivated at -30 mV. We determined the contribution of individual channel types to the total HVA Ca2+ current, examining the effect of each channel blocker at an HP of -80 mV and -30 mV. At -80 mV, omega-conotoxin GVIA, omega-agatoxin IVA, nifedipine and SNX-482 inhibit Ca2+ currents by 21.8 +/- 4.1%, 26.1 +/- 3.1%, 24.2 +/- 2.4% and 17.9 +/- 4.7%, respectively. At -30 mV, omega-conotoxin GVIA, nifedipine and omega-agatoxin IVA inhibit Ca2+ currents by 33.8 +/- 3.0, 24.2 +/- 2.6 and 16.0 +/- 2.8%, respectively, demonstrating that these blockers substantially inhibit part of the Ca2+ current, independently from the HP. We have previously demonstrated that omega-conotoxin GVIA can block Ca2+ oscillations and steps. We now show that nifedipine and omega-agatoxin IVA do not affect the intracellular Ca2+ dynamics, whereas SNX-482 reduces the Ca2+ step amplitude. We conclude that Xenopus melanotrope cells express all four major types of HVA Ca2+ channel, as well as the resulting currents, but no low-voltage activated channels. The results provide the basis for future studies on the complex regulation of channel-mediated Ca2+ influxes into this neuroendocrine cell type as a function of its role in the animal's adaptation to external challenges.     

HIV-1 envelope protein evokes intracellular calcium oscillations in rat hippocampal neurons

Treatment of single rat hippocampal neurons with 200 pM recombinant HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein, gp120, resulted in large increases in the intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) as measured with indo-1-based microfluorimetry. Three patterns of [Ca2+]i increases were observed: in one pattern the [Ca2+]i rose rapidly and transiently as a single peak, in a second pattern gp120 induced [Ca2+]i oscillations that subsided when the protein was removed, and in a third pattern the oscillations continued long after washout of gp120. Both single peak and oscillatory [Ca2+]i increases were completely blocked by the Ca2+ channel blocker nitrendipine (1 microM). The sustained oscillatory responses were also blocked completely and reversibly by the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist CGS19755 (10 microM) and the Na+ channel blocker tetrodotoxin (1 microM). Complete block by antagonists of Ca2+, Na+, and NMDA-gated ion channels suggests that at least two cells are required to maintain the [Ca2+]i oscillations. We hypothesize that gp120 acts as an excitotoxin by increasing synaptic activity in the network of neurons established in primary culture.     

Ca2+-independent muscarinic excitation of rat medial entorhinal cortex layer V neurons

Cholinergic activation of entorhinal cortex (EC) layer V neurons plays a crucial role in the medial temporal lobe memory system and in the pathophysiology of temporal lobe epilepsy. Here, we demonstrate that muscarinic activation by focal application of carbachol depolarizes EC layer V neurons and induces epileptiform activity in rat brain slices. These seizure-like bursts are associated with a somatic [Ca2+]i increase of 293 +/- 82 nm and are blocked by the glutamate receptor antagonists CNQX and APV. Muscarinic activation did not directly evoke a [Ca2+]i increase, but subthreshold and suprathreshold depolarization did. Functional axon mapping revealed local axon branching as well as axon collaterals ascending to layers II and III. During blockade of ionotropic glutamatergic AMPA and NMDA receptors, carbachol depolarized layer V neurons by +7.5 +/- 3.4 mV. This direct muscarinic depolarization was associated with a conductance increase of 35 +/- 10.3% (+4.3 +/- 1.25 nS). Intracellular buffering of [Ca2+]i changes did not block this depolarization, but prolonged action potential duration and reduced adaptation of action potential firing. The muscarinic depolarization was neither blocked by combining intracellular Ca2+-buffering (EGTA or BAPTA) with non-specific Ca2+-channel inhibition by Ni+ (1 mm), nor by Ba2+ (1 mm) nor during inhibition of the h-current by 2 mm Cs+. In whole-cell patch-clamp recording, reversal of the muscarinic current occurred at about -45 mV and -5 mV with complete substitution of intrapipette K+ with Cs+. Thus, muscarinic depolarization of EC layer V neurons appears to be primarily mediated by Ca2+-independent activation of non-specific cation channels that conduct K+ about three times as well as Na+.     

Activity-dependent accumulation of Ca2+ in axon and dendrites of the leech Leydig neuron.

We have investigated Ca2+ changes evoked by single action potentials (APs) in axon and dendrites of leech Leydig neurons. Dendritic Ca2+ transients induced by an AP were twice as large as in the axon, and Ca2+ recovery was significantly faster in the dendrites as compared to the axon. The AP-induced Ca2+ transients were blocked by Co2+ and suppressed in Ca2+-free saline, indicating Ca2+ influx through voltage-activated channels. During a train of APs, Ca2+ accumulated significantly more in the axon than in the dendrites. Suppression of the Ca2+ influx changed the shape of the action potential and increased the firing frequency. The results suggest a functional role of Ca2+ influx and Ca2+ accumulation during electrical activity in different neuronal subcompartments.     

Lysophosphatidic acid-induced calcium signals in cultured rat oligodendrocytes.

Oligodendrocytes are the myelin forming glial cells of the CNS and are known to express receptors linked to ion channels and intracellular second messenger cascades. In this paper, we describe the intracellular calcium responses of cells from the oligodendrocyte lineage to application of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a naturally occurring, growth factor-like phospholipid. Oligodendrocyte precursors did not respond to application of LPA (1 microM). In mature oligodendrocytes, however, LPA (1 microM) induced an increase in the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). In the majority of cells this increase was followed by a persistent plateau phase. The LPA-induced [Ca2+]i signal vanished in Ca2+-free medium, implying that it arose due to a Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane. Preincubation of the cells with Pertussis-toxin prevented the generation of LPA-induced [Ca2+]i signals. We conclude that cultured rat oligodendrocytes express functional LPA receptors, which mediate a transmembrane Ca2+ influx via a Pertussis-toxin-sensitive G-protein.     

Activation of endothelin receptors by sarafotoxin regulates Ca2+ homeostasis in cerebellar astrocytes.

We carried out experiments designed to investigate the effects of sarafotoxin-6B (SFTx) on [Ca2+]i in cerebellar astrocytes using the Ca2+ indicator fura-2. Both endothelin-1 and sarafotoxin-6B increased [Ca2+]i in individual cerebellar astrocytes in cell culture. The shape of the response was variable but usually consisted of an initial peak of [Ca2+]i followed by an extended plateau increase in [Ca2+]i. In Ca(2+)-free medium only the initial peak was observed. If Ca2+ was subsequently readmitted to the external medium a plateau was now formed. When external Ca2+ was removed during a plateau, [Ca2+]i rapidly declined; replacing the external Ca2+ reversed this decline. The plateau was also reversibly reduced by addition of Ni2+ (5 mM) to the external medium. Addition of 50 mM K+ produced a small increase in [Ca2+]i in most cells. This response was blocked by nimodipine. However, nimodipine only slightly blocked the plateau increase in [Ca2+]i that was formed following activation of endothelin receptors. Furthermore, perfusion of cells with 50 mM K+ during the plateau portion of a response to SFTx reduced [Ca2+]i. In some cells addition of a phorbol ester produced a sustained increase in [Ca2+]i that was blocked by nimodipine. In conclusion, activation of endothelin receptors by SFTx in cerebellar astrocytes produces both Ca2+ mobilization and Ca2+ influx. The pathway for Ca2+ influx is predominantly a non-voltage-dependent one, although some entry through a dihydropyridine-sensitive pathway also appears to occur. Furthermore, activation of protein kinase C in cerebellar astrocytes activates voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels.