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Low-threshold calcium currents in central nervous system neurons
1Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, California 94305, USA.
Annual Review of Physiology
|January 1, 1996
Summary
The low-threshold calcium current (T current) is crucial in central nervous system neurons, driving burst firing and intrinsic oscillations. Understanding its kinetics reveals its role in neuronal excitability and synaptic function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Electrophysiology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- The low-threshold calcium current, or T current, is present in various central nervous system neurons.
- It is particularly significant in thalamic relay and cerebellar Purkinje cells, known for burst firing.
- Previous research has focused on its presence and general function in neuronal activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the kinetic properties of the T current in detail.
- To elucidate the activation and inactivation processes governing T current behavior.
- To explore the functional implications of T current in neuronal excitability.
Main Methods:
- Utilized voltage-clamp recordings to study T current in CNS neurons.
- Performed single-channel and macroscopic current analyses.
- Developed kinetic schemes to model T current activation and inactivation.
Main Results:
- Detailed kinetic schemes were devised to describe T current activation and inactivation.
- The study confirmed the prominent role of T current in soma and dendrites of specific neuron types.
- T current kinetics were linked to the generation of low-threshold spikes following hyperpolarization.
Conclusions:
- T current plays a key role in generating low-threshold spikes and burst firing.
- It contributes to intrinsic oscillatory behavior in neurons.
- T current is implicated in enhancing calcium entry and synaptic potentiation.