Functional characterization of ether-a-go-go-related gene potassium channels in midbrain dopamine neurons - implications for a role in depolarization block.

ABSTRACT: Bursting activity by midbrain dopamine neurons reflects the complex interplay between their intrinsic pacemaker activity and synaptic inputs. Although the precise mechanism responsible for the generation and modulation of bursting in vivo has yet to be established, several ion channels have been implicated in the process. Previous studies with nonselective blockers suggested that ether-à-go-go-related gene (ERG) K(+) channels are functionally significant. Here, electrophysiology with selective chemical and peptide ERG channel blockers (E-4031 and rBeKm-1) and computational methods were used to define the contribution made by ERG channels to the firing properties of midbrain dopamine neurons in vivo and in vitro. Selective ERG channel blockade increased the frequency of spontaneous activit

SUBMITTER: Ji H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4042402 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature