Nav1.6 sodium channels are critical to pacemaking and fast spiking in globus pallidus neurons.

ABSTRACT: Neurons in the external segment of the globus pallidus (GPe) are autonomous pacemakers that are capable of sustained fast spiking. The cellular and molecular determinants of pacemaking and fast spiking in GPe neurons are not fully understood, but voltage-dependent Na+ channels must play an important role. Electrophysiological studies of these neurons revealed that macroscopic activation and inactivation kinetics of their Na+ channels were similar to those found in neurons lacking either autonomous activity or the capacity for fast spiking. What was distinctive about GPe Na+ channels was a prominent resurgent gating mode. This mode was significantly reduced in GPe neurons lacking functional Nav1.6 channels. In these Nav1.6 null neurons, pacemaking and the capacity for fast spiking were impa

SUBMITTER: Mercer JN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6673100 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature