Basic fibroblast growth factor opens calcium-permeable channels in quail mesencephalic neural crest neurons

In order to investigate the action of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the nervous system, we have studied the ionic signals elicited by this peptide in cultured quail mesencephalic neural crest neurons using patch-clamp and cytofluorimetric techniques. In this preparation stimulation with bFGF induced, with a delay of some tens of seconds, an inward cationic current. Single-channel experiments provided evidence for the activation of a calcium-permeable channel. In single-cell cytofluorimetric measurements, a sustained rise in [Ca2+]i was observed, which was dependent on the presence of external calcium. These events may play a role in the developmental effects of bFGF.