Coupling of L-type Ca2+ channels to KV7/KCNQ channels creates a novel, activity-dependent, homeostatic intrinsic plasticity

Wendy W. Wu, C. Savio Chan, D. James Surmeier, John F. Disterhoft

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

46 Scopus citations

Abstract

Experience-dependent modification in the electrical properties of central neurons is a form of intrinsic plasticity that occurs during development and has been observed following behavioral learning. We report a novel form of intrinsic plasticity in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons mediated by the K V7/KCNQ and CaV1/L-type Ca2+ channels. Enhancing Ca2+ influx with a conditioning spike train (30 Hz, 3 s) potentiated the KV7/KCNQ channel function and led to a long-lasting, activity-dependent increase in spike frequency adaptation - a gradual reduction in the firing frequency in response to sustained excitation. These effects were abolished by specific blockers for CaV1/L-type Ca2+ channels, KV7/KCNQ channels, and protein kinase A (PKA). Considering the widespread expression of these two channel types, the influence of Ca 2+ influx and subsequent activation of PKA on KV7/KCNQ channels may represent a generalized principle in fine tuning the output of central neurons that promotes stability in firing - an example of homeostatic regulation of intrinsic membrane excitability.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1897-1908
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of neurophysiology
Volume100
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2008

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience
  • Physiology

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