CATEGORY:
Research
TITLE:
ATP-sensitive K+ channels control the spontaneous firing of a glycinergic interneuron in the auditory brainstem
DESCRIPTION:
KEY POINTS: Cartwheel neurons provide potent inhibition to fusiform neurons in the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN). Most cartwheel neurons fire action potentials spontaneously, but the ion channels responsible for this intrinsic activity are unknown. We investigated the ion channels responsible for the intrinsic firing of cartwheel neurons and the stable resting membrane potential found in a fraction of these neurons (quiet neurons) Among the ion channels controlling membrane potential of…
CONTENT:
J Physiol. 2020 Dec 28. doi: 10.1113/JP280233. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
KEY POINTS: Cartwheel neurons provide potent inhibition to fusiform neurons in the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN). Most cartwheel neurons fire action potentials spontaneously, but the ion channels responsible for this intrinsic activity are unknown. We investigated the ion channels responsible for the intrinsic firing of cartwheel neurons and the stable resting membrane potential found in a fraction of these neurons (quiet neurons) Among the ion channels controlling membrane potential of cartwheel neurons, the presence of open ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP ) is responsible for the existence of quiet neurons. Our results pinpoint KATP channel modulation as a critical factor controlling the firing of cartwheel neurons. Hence, it is a crucial channel influencing the balance of excitation and inhibition in the DCN.
ABSTRACT: Cartwheel neurons from the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) are glycinergic interneurons and the primary source of inhibition on the fusiform neurons, DCN’s principal excitatory neuron. Most cartwheel neurons present spontaneous firing (active neurons), producing a steady inhibitory tone on fusiform neurons. In contrast, a small fraction of these neurons do not fire spontaneously (quiet neurons). Hyperactivity of fusiform neurons is seen in animals with behavioral evidence of tinnitus. Because of its relevance in controlling the excitability of fusiform neurons, we investigated the ion channels responsible for the spontaneous firing of cartwheel neurons in DCN slices from rats. We found that quiet neurons presented an outward conductance not seen in active neurons, which generates a stable resting potential. This current was sensitive to tolbutamide, an ATP-sensitive potassium channel (KATP ) antagonist. After inhibition with tolbutamide, quiet neurons start to fire spontaneously, while the active neurons were not affected. On the other hand, in active neurons, KATP agonist diazoxide activated a conductance similar to quiet neurons’ KATP conductance and stopped spontaneous firing. According to the effect of KATP channels on CW neuron firing, glycinergic neurotransmission in DCN was increased by tolbutamide and decreased by diazoxide. Our results reveal a role of KATP channels in controlling the spontaneous firing of neurons not involved in fuel homeostasis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
PMID:33369743 | DOI:10.1113/JP280233
SOURCE:
The Journal of physiology
DATE – PUBLISHED:
2020-12-28T20:55:32Z
DATE – DOI: 2020-12-28T20:55:32Z
DATE – PUBMED: 2020 Dec 28
DATE OUTPUT MATCHED: True
DATE – ADDED:
Mon, 28 Dec 2020 06:00:00 -0500
DATE – RETRIEVED:
12/29/20 12:19AM
2020-12-29T00:19:56-05:00
IDENTIFIER:
pmid:33369743,doi:10.1113/JP280233
PUBMED ID:
pubmed:33369743
DOI:
10.1113/JP280233
LINK – PUBMED:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33369743/
LINK – DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1113/JP280233
LINK – PUBLISHER:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1113/JP280233
REFERENCES:
Tinnitus Treatment Report, Urgent Research, 2020-12-29T00:19:56-05:00, www.tinnitustreatmentreport.com.
