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Updated: Jul 27, 2026

Measurement of Total Calcium in Neurons by Electron Probe X-ray Microanalysis
Published on: November 20, 2013
Action of hypoxia on different types of calcium channels in hippocampal neurons
Elena A Lukyanetz1, Vyacheslav M Shkryl, Olga V Kravchuk
1Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Bogomoletz str 4, Kiev 01024, Ukraine. elena@serv.biph.kiev.ua
Abstract:
Whole-cell patch clamp and polarographic oxygen partial pressure (pO2) measurements were used to establish the sensitivity of high-voltage-activated (HVA) Ca2+ channel subtypes of CA1 hippocampal neurons of rats to hypoxic conditions. Decrease of pO2 to 15-30 mm Hg induced a potentiation of HVA Ca2+ currents by 94%. Using selective blockers of N- and L-types of calcium channels, we found that inhibition of L-type channels decreased the effect by 54%, whereas N-type blocker attenuated the effect by 30%. Taking into account the ratio of currents mediated by these channel subtypes in CA1 hippocampal neurons, we concluded that both types of HVA Ca2+ channels are sensitive to hypoxia, however, L-type was about 3.5 times more sensitive to oxygen reduction.
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