title: Dual-fluorescence flow cytometric analysis of membrane potential and cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration in embryonic rat hippocampal cells.
abstract: We have demonstrated simultaneous measurement of the membrane potential and cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) by utilizing a dual-laser flow cytometer in embryonic rat hippocampal cell suspensions. Veratrine, a Na+ channel activator, induced both membrane depolarization and elevation of [Ca2+]i. These actions of veratrine were all reversed by the presence of tetrodotoxin (TTX). These findings suggest that Na+ channels are functionally expressed in the cells and the activation of Na+ channels increases [Ca2+]i. The usefulness of the flow cytometric analysis in elucidating the expression of membrane functions in the embryonic central nervous systems (CNS) is discussed.
authors.affiliation: 2nd Division, School of Pharmacy, Hokuriku University, Ishikawa, Japan.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Mitsumoto
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mohri
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000378:metabolism; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000378:metabolism; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D051381:Rats; D015222:Sodium Channels / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D013779:Tetrodotoxin / Q000494:pharmacology; D014702:Veratrine / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D015222:Sodium Channels; D013779:Tetrodotoxin; D014702:Veratrine; D002118:Calcium