| Abstract: | K+ currents in cultured Drosophila larval neurons have been classified into four categories according to their inactivation time constants, relative amplitude, and response to K+ channel blockers 4‐AP and triethylammonium. The percentage (65%) of neurons displaying K+ currents which were reduced to 30% in amplitude by 5 mM cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) analog 8‐bromo‐cAMP in both Drosophila memory mutants rutabaga (rut) and amnesiac (amn) was significantly larger than that (50%) in wild type. This initial characterization provides evidence for altered K+ currents in both rut and amn mutants. Arachidonic acid, a specifical inhibitor of Kv4 family (shal) K+ channels, was found to inhibit K+ currents in cultured Drosophila neurons, suggesting the presence of shal channels in these neurons. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 40: 158–170, 1999 |
