Voltage-dependent P/Q-type calcium channels at the frog neuromuscular junction.
Physiol Res
; 60(5): 815-23, 2011.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-21812515
ABSTRACT
It is well known that antagonists of N-type voltage-gated calcium channels inhibit the evoked quantal release of acetylcholine in amphibian neuromuscular synapses. This, however, does not exclude the functional expression of other types of voltage-gated calcium channels in these nerve terminals. Using immunocytochemistry, we detected the expression of the alpha1A subunit of P/Q-type calcium channels (that is otherwise typical of mammalian motor nerve endings) in the frog neuromuscular junction. In addition, we demonstrated that the P/Q-type channel blocker omega-agatoxin IVA (20 nM) reduced the action potential-induced calcium transient and significantly decreased both spontaneous and evoked mediator release. Our data indicates the functional expression of P/Q-type calcium channels in the frog motor nerve ending which participate in acetylcholine release.
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Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Ion Channel Gating
/
Calcium
/
Synaptic Transmission
/
Calcium Signaling
/
Membrane Potentials
/
Neuromuscular Junction
Limits:
Animals
Language:
En
Journal:
Physiol Res
Journal subject:
FISIOLOGIA
Year:
2011
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country: