Calcium channel dysfunction in inferior colliculus neurons of the genetically epilepsy-prone rat

Voltage-gated calcium (Ca2+) channels are thought to play an important role in epileptogenesis and seizure generation. Here, using the whole cell configuration of patch-clamp techniques, we report on the modifications of biophysical and pharmacological properties of high threshold voltage-activated Ca2+ channel currents in inferior colliculus (IC) neurons of the genetically epilepsy-prone rats (GEPR-3s). Ca2+ channel currents were measured by depolarizing pulses from a holding potential of −80 mV using barium (Ba2+) as the charge carrier. We found that the current density of high threshold voltage-activated Ca2+ channels was significantly larger in IC neurons of seizure-naive GEPR-3s compared to control Sprague–Dawley rats, and that seizure episodes further enhanced the current density in the GEPR-3s. The increased current density was reflected by both a −20 mV shifts in channel activation and a 25% increase in the non-inactivating fraction of channels in seizure-naive GEPR-3s. Such changes were reduced by seizure episodes in the GEPR-3s. Pharmacological analysis of the current density suggests that upregulation of L-, N- and R-type of Ca2+ channels may contribute to IC neuronal hyperexcitability that leads to seizure susceptibility in the GEPR-3s.