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Modulation of a transient outward current in serotonergic neurones by α1-adrenoceptors

Nature volume 315, pages 501–503 (1985)Cite this article

Abstract

The excitability of various neurones in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS), ranging from motoneurones to serotonergic neurones, is enhanced by α1-adrenoceptor agonists1. Excitations mediated via α1-adrenoceptors are associated with a slow depolarization and an increase in input resistance, probably resulting from a decrease in resting potassium conductance1,2. However, the involvement of voltage-dependent transient currents in mediating α1 excitatory effects has not been evaluated. An early transient outward current has been described which is important in regulating the frequency of repetitive firing; it is activated by depolarizing voltage steps from potentials more negative than rest and blocked by 4-aminopyridine3,4. This current, which has been termed ‘IA’, was found originally in invertebrates3,4 and subsequently in various vertebrate neurones5–8. The present single-electrode voltage-clamp study demonstrates an early transient outward current (IA) in serotonergic neurones which is suppressed by noradrenaline and the α1-agonist phenylephrine; a suppression of IA may account in part for the acceleration of pacemaker activity induced by α1-agonists in serotonergic neurones.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine and the Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities of the Connecticut Mental Health Center 34 Park St, New Haven, Connecticut, 06508, USA

    G. K. Aghajanian

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  1. G. K. Aghajanian
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Aghajanian, G. Modulation of a transient outward current in serotonergic neurones by α1-adrenoceptors. Nature 315, 501–503 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1038/315501a0

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