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[A hyperpolarization-activated current in rat menthol-sensitive sensory neurons].
Fiziolohichnyi Zhurnal (Kiev, Ukraine : 1994)
|September 2, 2008
Summary
Hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih) is reliably present in most menthol-sensitive neurons, aiding in their identification. This suggests specific HCN channel subtypes, primarily HCN1-3, are involved in menthol response in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ion Channels
- Sensory Physiology
Context:
- Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons are crucial for transmitting sensory information, including pain and temperature.
- Menthol activates the transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) channel, a key player in cold sensation.
- Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels contribute to neuronal excitability and intrinsic firing properties.
Purpose:
- To investigate the correlation between hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih) and menthol-activated current (ITRPM8) in rat DRG neurons.
- To determine the reliability of Ih as a marker for identifying menthol-sensitive DRG neurons.
- To hypothesize the specific HCN channel isoforms responsible for Ih in these neurons.
Summary:
- Ih was detected in 89% of menthol-sensitive rat DRG neurons, establishing it as a reliable, though not absolute, criterion for neuron selection.
- Analysis of Ih activation kinetics suggests a predominant expression of HCN1, HCN2, and HCN3 channel isoforms.
- The expression of the HCN4 isoform in menthol-sensitive DRG neurons was found to be very low.
Impact:
- Provides a potential electrophysiological method for enriching menthol-sensitive neuron populations for further study.
- Offers insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying TRPM8 channel function and modulation by intrinsic neuronal properties.
- Contributes to understanding the role of HCN channels in sensory neuron physiology and the perception of cold and potentially other stimuli.
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