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Copper-induced non-selective permeability changes in intracellularly perfused snail neurons
T Kiss1, J Györi, O N Osipenko
1Balaton Limnological Research Institute, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Tihany.
Journal of Applied Toxicology : JAT
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Extracellular copper ions (Cu2+) alter neuron function by blocking chloride currents and activating cationic channels. Copper also induces complex changes in neuronal membrane permeability, affecting ion flow.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cellular Physiology
- Ion Channel Function
Background:
- Extracellular ions significantly influence neuronal excitability and function.
- Copper ions (Cu2+) are known to interact with cellular processes, but their specific effects on neuronal ion permeability require detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of extracellular copper ions (Cu2+) on the ion permeability of isolated Helix pomatia neurons.
- To characterize the components of copper-induced currents (ICu) and wash-out currents (Iw).
Main Methods:
- Utilized isolated intracellularly perfused Helix pomatia neurons.
- Applied extracellular Cu2+ and monitored resulting ionic currents.
- Investigated the Ca2+- and temperature-dependence of the observed currents.
Main Results:
- Cu2+ application induced a biphasic current (ICu) with outward (Cl- current blockade) and inward (non-selective cationic channel) components.
- Washing out Cu2+ resulted in a large inward current (Iw) with transient (metabolic pump activation) and steady-state (increased Cl- permeability) components.
- Both ICu and Iw were dependent on extracellular Ca2+ and temperature.
Conclusions:
- Extracellular Cu2+ induces complex alterations in Helix pomatia neuronal membrane permeability.
- Copper ions modulate both outward chloride currents and inward cationic currents.
- The observed effects highlight the intricate role of copper in neuronal ion transport.