Bursting firing of action potentials in central snail neurons elicited by d-amphetamine: Role of the intracellular calcium ions

Abstract

Abstract The role of the intracellular calcium ions on the bursting firing of action potentials in central snail neurons elicited by d-amphetamine was studied in the identified RP4 neuron of the African snail, Achatina fulica Ferussac. Bursting activity of the potentials was elicited by d-amphetamine in central RP4 neuron of snail if amphetamine was applied either extracellularly or intracellularly. The bursting firing of action potentials elicited by amphetamine was decreased following intracellular injection with either EGTA or magnesium ions or extracellular application of lanthanum ion. Intracellular injection of calcium ions elicited bursting activity of potentials in the RP4 neuron, however, intracellular injection of calcium ions did not prolong the duration of the bursting firing of action potentials elicited by amphetamine. W7 (N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloronaphtha-lenesulfonamide hydrochloride), a calmodulin antagonist, did not decrease the bursting firing of action potentials elicited by amphetamine, although W7 did decrease the bursting firing of action potentials elicited by pentylenetetrazol. It is concluded that the bursting activity of potentials elicited by amphetamine is associated with intracellular calcium ions.