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[Rectification of calcium-activated potassium channels in hypothalamic neurons]
1Institute of Thermal Medicine, First Military Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
Aim:
To study the rectification of calcium-activated potassium channel in hypothalamic neurons.
Methods:
Channels in inside-out patches are studied by patch-clamp technique.
Results:
A big conductance calcium-activated K+ channel was observed, with symmetrical 140 mol/L [K+] across patches, in ward conductance was (171 +/- 12) pS and change little as different [Ca2+] was included in the bath solution. Outward conductance was regulated by [Ca2+] and was (76 +/- 14) pS with 500 micromol/L [Ca2+]. The higher level of [Ca2+] caused larger degree of rectification. Mg2+ only had a minor effect on rectification of this calcium-activated K+ channel.
Conclusion:
BK in hypothalamic neurons had rectification properties, it might play a role in neuronal excitation and stability.
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