A long-lasting inward current induced by intracellular injection of calcium ions in identified neurons of Helix pomatia

Neurosci Lett. 1987 Apr 23;76(1):53-7. doi: 10.1016/0304-3940(87)90191-1.

Abstract

Intracellular Ca2+ is known to activate an early unspecific inward and a potassium outward current in various vertebrate and invertebrate preparations. In the identified neurons B1, B2 and B3 of the buccal ganglia of Helix pomatia an intracellular application of Ca2+ induced a late long-lasting inward current besides the currents mentioned. Ca2+ was injected by ionophoresis or pressure pulses. The long-lasting inward current was reversed at membrane potentials of between -30 and -40 mV, whereas the equilibrium potential of the unspecific inward and potassium outward current was in the range of -20 to +10 mV and -50 to -70 mV, respectively. The late inward current was accompanied by an increase of the membrane conductance and suppressed by the Cl- channel blocker 9-anthracencarbonic acid. The equilibrium potential shifted with changes in the extracellular Cl- concentration. The long-lasting inward current is suggested to be activated by intracellular Ca2+ and to be carried by Cl-.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium / pharmacology*
  • Cell Membrane / drug effects
  • Chlorides / metabolism*
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Ganglia / drug effects*
  • Helix, Snails
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Ion Channels / drug effects*
  • Membrane Potentials

Substances

  • Chlorides
  • Ion Channels
  • Calcium