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Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Preparation of Aplysia Sensory-motor Neuronal Cell Cultures
Published on: June 8, 2009
Serotonin and cyclic AMP close single K+ channels in Aplysia sensory neurones
Abstract:
We have identified a serotonin-sensitive K+ channel with novel properties. The channel is active at the testing potential; its gating is moderately affected by membrane potential and is not dependent on the activity of intracellular calcium ions. Application of serotonin to the cell body or intracellular injection of cyclic AMP causes prolonged and complete closure of the channel, thereby reducing the effective number of active channels in the membrane. The closure of the channel can account for the increases in the duration of the action potential, Ca2+ influx, and transmitter release which underlie behavioural sensitization, a simple form of learning.
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