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Related Experiment Videos

Synaptic NMDA receptor channels have a low open probability

C Rosenmund1, A Feltz, G L Westbrook

  • 1Vollum Institute, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201, USA.

The Journal of Neuroscience : the Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience
|April 1, 1995
PubMed
Summary

Estimating N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) channel gating parameters is crucial. Recording conditions significantly impact NMDA channel open probability (Po), with outside-out patches showing higher Po than whole-cell recordings.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Accurate estimation of synaptic receptor channel-gating parameters is vital for understanding synaptic transmission.
  • N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) channel gating exhibits variability based on recording conditions, creating ambiguity in relevance to synaptic receptors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the discrepancy in N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) channel gating parameters under different recording conditions.
  • To determine the open probability (Po) of NMDA channels in whole-cell and outside-out patch recordings.

Main Methods:

  • NMDA currents were evoked in cultured hippocampal neurons using rapid application of NMDA.
  • The irreversible open channel blocker MK-801 was used to analyze current decay and peak amplitude reduction.

Related Experiment Videos

  • A multistate kinetic model was employed to derive channel open probability (Po) from current traces.

    • Main Results:

    • Whole-cell recordings revealed a low NMDA channel open probability (Po) of 0.04, consistent with previous findings for synaptically activated channels.
    • Outside-out patch recordings demonstrated a significantly higher Po, indicated by more rapid MK-801 block.
    • A gradual increase in Po was observed over time in both recording configurations.

    Conclusions:

    • Recording conditions, such as whole-cell versus outside-out patches, critically influence measured NMDA channel open probability (Po).
    • The observed increase in Po over time may be attributed to mechanical stress on the patch or the washout of intracellular factors.
    • These findings highlight the importance of considering recording methodologies when interpreting NMDA channel gating parameters.