Abstract
NT2 cells, a human teratocarcinoma cell line, are shown to be differentiated in neuron-like cells (NT2-N cells) by treatment with retinoic acid. The present study identified the neurotransmitter receptors expressed in NT2-N cells using patch-clamp recording. Voltage-sensitive Na+currents, which are specific for neurons, were observed in NT2-N cells but not in NT2 cells, suggesting that NT2-N cells actually function as neurons. Glutamate receptor agonists, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and kainate, evoked whole-cell currents. In addition, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) evoked currents and the currents were inhibited by the selective GABAAreceptor antagonist, bicuculline. In outside-out patches, GABA elicited single channel currents with two classes of the slope conductance (26 and 50 pS). No current, however, was induced by ACh, serotonin, or dopamine. NT2-N cells, thus, express at least two types of the major excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter receptor in the central nervous system, the glutamate and GAGAAreceptors, suggesting that these receptors have a crucial role in neurotransmission from the earlier stage of the brain development.
Published Version
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