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  • Title: Molecular characterization of T-type Ca(2+) channels responsible for low threshold spikes in hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus neurons.
    Author: Lee S, Han TH, Sonner PM, Stern JE, Ryu PD, Lee SY.
    Journal: Neuroscience; 2008 Sep 09; 155(4):1195-203. PubMed ID: 18657597.
    Abstract:
    The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is composed of functionally heterogeneous cell groups, possessing distinct electrophysiological properties depending on their functional roles. Previously, T-type Ca(2+) dependent low-threshold spikes (LTS) have been demonstrated in various PVN neuronal types, including preautonomic cells. However, the molecular composition and functional properties of the underlying T-type Ca(2+) channels have not been characterized. In the present study, we combined single cell reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry and patch-clamp recordings to identify subtypes of T-type Ca(2+) channels expressed in PVN cells displaying LTS (PVN-LTS), including identified preautonomic neurons. LTS appeared at the end of hyperpolarizing pulses either as long-lasting plateaus or as short-lasting depolarizing humps. LTS were mediated by rapidly activating and inactivating T-type Ca(2+) currents and were blocked by Ni(2+). Single cell RT-PCR and immunohistochemical studies revealed Cav3.1 (voltage-gated Ca(2+) channel) as the main channel subunit detected in PVN-LTS neurons. In conclusion, these data indicate that Cav3.1 is the major subtype of T-type Ca(2+) channel subunit that mediates T-type Ca(2+) dependent LTS in PVN neurons.
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