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Measurement of Total Calcium in Neurons by Electron Probe X-ray Microanalysis
Published on: November 20, 2013
Selective blockade of P-type calcium channels by lead in cultured hippocampal neurons
1Department of Pharmacology, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Japan.
Abstract:
The effects of lead ions (Pb2+) on neuronal calcium channels were examined in cultured hippocampal neurons. Pb2+ blocked calcium channels in a concentration-dependent manner. The current-voltage relationship of the inhibition suggested a selective blockade of high-threshold calcium channels by Pb2+ up to a concentration of 3 microM. Pb2+ (3 microM) preferentially suppressed the omega-agatoxin IVA-sensitive components of the calcium channels. These findings suggest that Pb2+ mainly affects the P-type calcium channels at low concentrations.

