Potassium currents of neurons isolated from medical nucleus tractus solitarius

Voltage-dependent potassium currents of neurons enzymatically isolated from the medial and dorsal subnuclei of the solitary tract (mNTS) of adult guinea pig have been characterized with respect to their voltage dependence, time dependence, and sensitivity to specific blocking agents. This region of the medulla receives baroreceptor afferent input and is involved in cardiovascular regulation. Our results showed the presence of three types of potassium currents. First, in all neurons studied (n = 58) a slowly developing outward current was present at potentials more positive than -30 mV. The time to half-peak current decreased with depolarization [24.8 ms at 0 mV; 19.2 ms at +10 mV; 12.5 ms at +20 mV; 9.9 ms at +30 mV (n = 4)]. This current required 20 mM tetraethylammonium (TEA) for full block and failed to show significant inactivation for voltage commands up to 300 ms. Second, a rapidly activating, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP)-sensitive transient outward potassium current was present in 83% of the cells examined (n = 39/47). Threshold for activation was -30 mV. The current relaxation consisted of three components: tau 1 = 14-49 ms; tau 2 = 174-362; tau 3 = 1.1-2.4 s. Finally, in all cells tested calcium activated a large nontransient outward potassium current that was inhibited by charybdotoxin. The studies reported here will be used in conjunction with studies describing sodium and calcium currents to understand the basis for generation of activity in the mNTS in response to baroreceptor input.