Selective control of cortical axonal spikes by a slowly inactivating K+ current.

ABSTRACT: Neurons are flexible electrophysiological entities in which the distribution and properties of ionic channels control their behaviors. Through simultaneous somatic and axonal whole-cell recording of layer 5 pyramidal cells, we demonstrate a remarkable differential expression of slowly inactivating K(+) currents. Depolarizing the axon, but not the soma, rapidly activated a low-threshold, slowly inactivating, outward current that was potently blocked by low doses of 4-aminopyridine, alpha-dendrotoxin, and rTityustoxin-K alpha. Block of this slowly inactivating current caused a large increase in spike duration in the axon but only a small increase in the soma and could result in distal axons generating repetitive discharge in response to local current injection. Importantly, this current was

SUBMITTER: Shu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2040919 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature