Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
6265305 Brain Research 2011 7 Pages PDF
Abstract

The terminalis nerve (TN) is in a class of cranial nerves that plays important roles in animal development, physiology and behavior. Here, we report a study on the characterization of voltage-activated ionic currents in GnRH-containing TN cells in zebrafish. The experiments were performed using acutely dissociated TN cells from the transgenic zebrafish Tg (GnRH-3::GFP). In the transgenic zebrafish, the TN cells express GFP under the transcriptional control of the zebrafish GnRH-3 promoter. In all of the GnRH-containing TN cells examined, we recorded both low-voltage-activated (LVA) and high-voltage-activated (HVA) calcium current (ICa). The characteristics of the ICa were similar to those described in other zebrafish cell types. However, the distribution patterns of the currents in the GnRH-containing TN cells were different in comparison to the distribution of the currents in other cell types. In addition, we characterized TTX-sensitive sodium current (INa) and 4AP-sensitive and TEA-resistant potassium current (IK). The characteristics of voltage-activated INa and IK in the GnRH-containing TN cells were similar to those described in other zebrafish cell types. Together, the data from this study revealed the electrophysiological properties of the GnRH-containing TN cells, thereby providing insight on the regulatory mechanisms of TN-signaling in animal physiology.

Research Highlights►Patch-clamp GFP-tagged terminalis neurons from transgenic zebrafish ►Terminalis neurons express both low- and high-voltage-activated calcium currents. ►Terminalis neurons express TTX-sensitive sodium currents. ►Terminalis neurons express 4AP-sensitive and TEA-resistant potassium currents.

Related Topics
Life Sciences Neuroscience Neuroscience (General)
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