Abstract
Block of calcium-sensitive potassium SK current (gKCa[SK]) by apamin or bicuculline methiodide potentiates burst firing in dopamine neurons in the presence of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA). The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that calcium entry through NMDA-gated channels can potentiate gKCa[SK] in dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area. We used microelectrodes to record an outward tail current that was evoked by membrane depolarization under single-electrode voltage-clamp. Using bicuculline methiodide (50 μM) as a reversible inhibitor of gKCa [SK], we found that NMDA (15 μM) reduced the peak amplitude of the outward tail current by 39%. Contrary to expectations, our results suggest that stimulation of NMDA receptors reduces the calcium-activated potassium gKCa[SK], an effect that could facilitate NMDA-dependent burst firing.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 180-184 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Neuroscience Letters |
Volume | 348 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 18 2003 |
Keywords
- Apamin
- Bicuculline methiodide
- Brain slice
- Ca dependent potassium SK channel
- Dopamine
- Ventral tegmental area
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neuroscience(all)