Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Single-Cell Calcium Imaging for Studying the Activation of Calcium Ion Channels
07:17

Single-Cell Calcium Imaging for Studying the Activation of Calcium Ion Channels

Published on: December 13, 2024

Kinase C activator 1,2-oleoylacetylglycerol attenuates voltage-dependent calcium current in sensory neurons

S G Rane, K Dunlap

    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
    |January 1, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    Diacylglycerol analogue (OAG) and phorbol ester (DPB) reversibly decreased calcium currents in chicken neurons. This suggests protein kinase C activation modulates calcium channel function.

    Area of Science:

    • Neuroscience
    • Cellular Physiology
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Voltage-dependent calcium channels are crucial for neuronal function.
    • Protein kinase C (PKC) is a key signaling enzyme involved in cellular regulation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the effects of diacylglycerol analogue (OAG) and phorbol ester (DPB) on voltage-dependent calcium currents.
    • To explore the potential role of protein kinase C in modulating calcium channel activity.

    Main Methods:

    • Electrophysiological recordings of calcium currents in embryonic chicken dorsal root ganglion neurons.
    • Application of OAG and DPB at varying concentrations.
    • Assessment of effects on resting membrane conductance and potassium currents.

    Main Results:

    • OAG and DPB caused reversible decreases in calcium current without affecting other membrane properties.
    • The effective concentrations of OAG and DPB correlated with those known to activate protein kinase C.
    • Pre-incubation with OAG blocked further calcium current reduction by DPB or norepinephrine.

    Conclusions:

    • Protein kinase C activation by OAG and DPB likely modulates voltage-dependent calcium channel function in these neurons.
    • This study provides evidence for a signaling pathway involving PKC in calcium channel regulation.

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