Abstract
Whole cell voltage-clamp recordings from acutely isolated hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells from adult guinea pigs were used to evaluate divalent cations as possible blockers of the postexposure current (Ipe). Ipe is a cation current that is triggered by the rise in intracellular Ca2+ concentration that occurs after the application of a toxic level of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA). Once triggered, Ipe continues to grow until death of the neuron occurs. Ipe may be a critical link between transient NMDA exposure and cell death. Ipe was blocked by micromolar concentrations of Zn2+. The Zn2+ effect had an IC50 of 64 microM and saturated at 500 microM. Prolonged Zn2+ block of Ipe revealed that the maintenance of a steady Ipe is not dependent on Ipe-mediated Ca2+ influx but that the continuous growth in Ipe is dependent on Ipe-mediated Ca2+ influx. The availability of an effective blocker of Ipe should facilitate the investigation of the intracellular activation pathway of Ipe and the role of Ipe in neuronal death.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
