Whether large conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium (BK) channels are present in the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) is a matter of debate. Using the patch-clamp technique, we examined the functional expression of BK channels in neurons of the SNr and showed that the channels were activated or inhibited by internal high-energy phosphates (IHEPs) at positive and negative membrane potentials, respectively. SNr neurons showed membrane potential hyperpolarization under glucose-deprivation conditions which was attenuated by paxilline, a specific BK channel blocker. In addition, Fluo-3 fluorescence recording detected an increase in the level of internal free calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) during ischemic hyperpolarization. These results confirm that BK channels are present in SNr neurons and indicate that their unique IHEP sensitivity is requisite in neuronal ischemic responses. Bearing in mind that the K(ATP) channel blocker tolbutamide also attenuated the hyperpolarization, we suggest that BK channels may play a protective role in the basal ganglia by modulating the excitability of SNr neurons along with K(ATP) channels under ischemic stresses.
Pubmed ID: 23284908 RIS Download
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Software for a novel de novo sequence assembler that discovers likely sequence reconstructions under the model.
View all literature mentionsSoftware suite for electrophysiology data acquisition and analysis by Molecular Devices. Used for the control and recording of voltage clamp, current clamp, and patch clamp experiments. The software suite consists of Clampex 11 Software for data acquisition, AxoScope 11 Software for background recording, Clampfit 11 Software for data analysis, and optional Clampfit Advanced Analysis Module for sophisticated and streamlined analysis.
View all literature mentionsMus musculus with name C57BL/6J from IMSR.
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