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Related Experiment Videos

Serotonin modulates voltage-dependent calcium current in Necturus taste cells

R J Delay1, S C Kinnamon, S D Roper

  • 1Boston University Marine Program, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA.

Journal of Neurophysiology
|May 1, 1997
PubMed
Summary

Serotonin (5-HT) released by Merkel-like basal cells modulates Necturus taste receptor cells. This neurotransmitter differentially affects calcium currents, suggesting distinct taste cell functional subtypes based on 5-HT response.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Sensory Biology

Background:

  • Necturus taste buds comprise taste receptor cells and basal cells.
  • Merkel-like basal cells synapse with taste receptor cells and nerve fibers.
  • Merkel-like basal cells contain serotonin (5-HT), potentially released during taste stimulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of serotonin (5-HT) on voltage-activated calcium currents (I(Ca)) in isolated Necturus taste receptor cells.
  • To determine the receptor subtype and signaling pathways involved in 5-HT's modulation of I(Ca).

Main Methods:

  • Whole-cell voltage clamp electrophysiology was used.
  • Focal application of 5-HT to isolated taste receptor cells.
  • Pharmacological characterization of 5-HT receptor subtypes and second-messenger cascades.

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Main Results:

  • 100 microM 5-HT increased I(Ca) in 33% of taste receptor cells and decreased it in 67%.
  • Both potentiation and inhibition involved a 5-HT receptor subtype similar to 5-HT1A.
  • Different second-messenger cascades mediated the opposing effects of 5-HT on I(Ca).

Conclusions:

  • Functional subtypes of taste receptor cells may be defined by their response to 5-HT, in addition to taste stimuli.
  • Serotonin (5-HT) released by Merkel-like basal cells can modulate taste receptor cell function.
  • This modulation suggests a role for Merkel-like basal cells in regulating taste perception.