Effect of firing rate on the calcium permeability in adult neurons during spontaneous action potentials. |
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Authors: | M Mazzanti A Galli and A Ferroni |
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Institution: | Dipartimento di Fisiologia e Biochimica Generali, Universitá Statale di Milano, Italy. |
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Abstract: | Calcium channels in neurons mediate a wide variety of essential functions. In addition to contributing to action potential shape, they furnish a substrate that acts as an intracellular second messenger. This study shows that the shape of the neuronal action potential has characteristics that promote long openings of L-type (high threshold) calcium channels. We also present evidence that a change in the firing rate of isolated neurons modulates gating of single calcium channels. This mechanism could be important in modulating neuron excitability and providing a rise in intracellular Ca, when needed. |
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