Figure 4: Ghrelin inhibits KCNQ current in nigral dopaminergic neurons via PLC and PKC.
From: Peptide hormone ghrelin enhances neuronal excitability by inhibition of Kv7/KCNQ channels
The SNc dopaminergic neurons were recorded under perforated patch clamp recordings in the presence of synaptic blockers (20 μM CNQX+50 μM AP5+10 μM bicuculline). (a) Ghrelin (100 nM) inhibited KCNQ currents in the presence of synaptic blockers. (b) Statistical analysis for a. n=3. Each bar represents the mean±s.e.m. *P<0.05, Ghrelin versus Control, t=5.526, Paired t-test. (c) Representative data showed that PLC inhibitor U-73122 (10 μM) alone had no effect on KCNQ current, however, it could abolish ghrelin’s effects on KCNQ current inhibition. (d) Statistical analysis for c. n=3. Each bar represents the mean±s.e.m. (e) PKC inhibitor GF109203X (5 μM) abolished the inhibitory effects of ghrelin on KCNQ current. (f) Statistical analysis for e. n=3. Each bar represents the mean±s.e.m.
