The potassium channel subunit K_vβ1 serves as a major control point for synaptic facilitation.

ABSTRACT: Analysis of the presynaptic action potential's (AP_syn) role in synaptic facilitation in hippocampal pyramidal neurons has been difficult due to size limitations of axons. We overcame these size barriers by combining high-resolution optical recordings of membrane potential, exocytosis, and Ca²⁺ in cultured hippocampal neurons. These recordings revealed a critical and selective role for K_v1 channel inactivation in synaptic facilitation of excitatory hippocampal neurons. Presynaptic K_v1 channel inactivation was mediated by the K_vβ1 subunit and had a surprisingly rapid onset that was readily apparent even in brief physiological stimulation paradigms including paired-pulse stimulation. Genetic depletion of K_vβ1 blocked all broade

SUBMITTER: Cho IH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7703594 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature