Single-Cell RT-PCR and Functional Characterization of Ca2+Channels in Motoneurons of the Rat Facial Nucleus

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.18-23-09573.1998
• Publication Date: 2018-04-03T03:10:39Z
• Authors: T. D. Plant; C. Schirra; E. Katz; O. D. Uchitel; A. Konnerth
• Keywords: Motor Neurons; 0301 basic medicine; Dihydropyridines; DNA, Complementary; Patch-Clamp Techniques; Calcium Channels, L-Type; Nitrendipine; Calcium Channel Blockers; Rats; Facial Nerve; 03 medical and health sciences; Animals, Newborn; Nickel; Animals; Receptors, Cholinergic; Calcium Channels; RNA, Messenger; Rats, Wistar; Peptides; Ion Channel Gating; Brain Stem; Cadmium

Voltage-dependent Ca 2+ channels are a major pathway for entry in neurons. We have studied the electrophysiological, pharmacological, and molecular properties of voltage-gated motoneurons rat facial nucleus slices brainstem. Most express both low voltage-activated (LVA) high (HVA) channel currents. The HVA current is composed number pharmacologically separable components, including 30% N-type ∼5% L-type. Despite dominating role P-type transmitter release at motoneuron terminals described previous studies, these were not present cell body. Remarkably, most was carried through new type that resistant to toxin dihydropyridine block but distinct from R-type currents other Using reverse transcription followed by PCR amplification (RT-PCR) with powerful set primers designed amplify all subtypes α 1 -subunit, we identified highly heterogeneous expression pattern -subunit mRNA individual neurons consistent components found bodies axon terminals. detected 1A 86% neurons, 1B 59%, 1C 18%, 1D 1E 59%. Either or mRNAs (or both) together various mRNAs. frequently occurring combination . Taken together, results demonstrate brainstem motoneurons.