Involvement of TRP channels in the CO₂ chemosensitivity of locus coeruleus neurons.

ABSTRACT: Catecholaminergic neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) play a role in the ventilatory response to hypercapnia. Here, we show evidence for the involvement of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. We found that the input resistance was reduced during an exposure to 8% CO(2) in ~35% LC neurons in mouse brain slices, accompanied by depolarization and higher firing activity. The neuronal responses suggest the opening of Na(+) or nonselective cationic channels instead of the closure of K(+) channels. As a major group of cationic channels, the TRP channels are expressed in the brain, some of which are activated by acidic pH. We therefore screened all representative TRP channels using the quantitative real-time PCR analysis. High levels of mRNA expression of TRPC5, TRPM2, and TRPM7 were foun

SUBMITTER: Cui N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3118738 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature