A low voltage-activated, fully inactivating Ca channel in vertebrate sensory neurones (original) (raw)

Nature volume 310, pages 501–502 (1984)Cite this article

Abstract

Calcium channels in excitable membranes are essential for many cellular functions. Recent analyses of the burst-firing mode of some vertebrate neurones1–3 suggest that changes in their functional state are controlled by a Ca conductance that is largely inactivated at resting membrane potentials (−50 to −60 mV), but becomes activated following a conditioning hyperpolarization of the cell membrane. Here, using chick and rat sensory neurones, we present evidence for a new type of Ca channel with time- and voltage-dependent properties which is probably responsible for the inactivation behaviour of the Ca conductance. At membrane potentials between −50 and +10 mV, openings of this channel last 3–6 ms and tend to occur in rapid succession. Inactivation of this channel is indicated by prolonged and eventually complete closures brought about by long-lasting depolarizing voltage steps. This channel coexists in isolated membrane patches with the more common Ca channel4 which is less sensitive to changes in holding potential and shows a considerably shorter average life time and smaller currents.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurophysiology, Max-Planck-Institute for Psychiatry, D-8033, Planegg-Martinsried, FRG
    E. Carbone & H. D. Lux

Authors

  1. E. Carbone
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  2. H. D. Lux
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Carbone, E., Lux, H. A low voltage-activated, fully inactivating Ca channel in vertebrate sensory neurones.Nature 310, 501–502 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1038/310501a0

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