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Extracellular potassium ions mediate specific neuronal interaction.

Y Yarom, M E Spira

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |April 2, 1982
    PubMed
    Summary
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    Giant interneurons in cockroaches display unusual communication. Their synaptic potentials are not blocked by cobalt chloride, suggesting a non-traditional signaling mechanism involving potassium ions.

    Area of Science:

    • Neuroscience
    • Insect Physiology
    • Cellular Electrophysiology

    Background:

    • Giant interneurons are crucial for rapid motor control in insects.
    • Periplaneta americana giant interneurons exhibit reciprocal synaptic interactions.
    • The precise nature of this interaction has remained unclear.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the mechanism underlying the reciprocal synaptic interaction between Periplaneta americana giant interneurons.
    • To determine if the interaction is mediated by conventional chemical or electrotonic synapses.

    Main Methods:

    • Recording synaptic potentials in response to controlled stimuli.
    • Utilizing cobalt chloride to block calcium channels.
    • Injecting hyperpolarizing current to assess electrical coupling.

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  • Intracellular injection of tetraethylammonium ions to modulate action potential duration.

    • Main Results:

    • Synaptic potentials were resistant to cobalt chloride, indicating a non-calcium-dependent mechanism.
    • Reversal potential was near 0 mV, inconsistent with typical chemical synapses.
    • Hyperpolarizing current did not spread between cells, ruling out direct electrotonic coupling.
    • Tetraethylammonium ion injection altered postsynaptic responses, suggesting indirect modulation.

    Conclusions:

    • The interaction between Periplaneta americana giant interneurons is not mediated by conventional chemical or electrotonic synapses.
    • Evidence strongly suggests that localized increases in extracellular potassium concentration, due to neuronal firing, generate the observed synaptic potentials.
    • This represents a novel form of neuronal communication in invertebrates.