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  • Title: Recordings from single neocortical nerve terminals reveal a nonselective cation channel activated by decreases in extracellular calcium.
    Author: Smith SM, Bergsman JB, Harata NC, Scheller RH, Tsien RW.
    Journal: Neuron; 2004 Jan 22; 41(2):243-56. PubMed ID: 14741105.
    Abstract:
    Synaptic activity causes reductions in cleft [Ca(2+)] that may impact subsequent synaptic efficacy. Using modified patch-clamp techniques to record from single neocortical nerve terminals, we report that physiologically relevant reductions of extracellular [Ca(2+)] ([Ca(2+)](o)) activate voltage-dependent outward currents. These outward currents are carried by a novel nonselective cation (NSC) channel that is indirectly inhibited by various extracellular agents (rank order potency, Gd(3+) > spermidine > Ca(2+) > Mg(2+), typical for [Ca(2+)](o) receptors). The identification of a Ca(2+) sensor-NSC channel pathway establishes the existence of a mechanism by which presynaptic terminals can detect and respond to reductions in cleft [Ca(2+)]. Activation of NSC channels by falls in [Ca(2+)](o) would be expected during periods of high activity in the neocortex and may modulate the excitability of the presynaptic terminal.
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