Functional properties and developmental regulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on embryonic chicken sympathetic neurons.
Measurement of acetylcholine (ACh)-induced currents indicates that the sensitivity of embryonic sympathetic neurons increases following innervation in vivo and in vitro. We have used single-channel recording to assess the contribution of changes in ACh receptor properties to this increase. Early in development (before synaptogenesis), we detect three classes of ACh-activated channels that differ in their conductance and kinetics. Molecular studies indicating a variety of neuronal receptor subunit clones suggest a similar diversity. Later in development (after innervation), changes in functional properties include increases in conductance and apparent mean open time, the addition of a new conductance class, as well as apparent clustering and segregation of channel types. These changes in channel function are compatible with the developmental increase in ACh sensitivity.
Moss
B L
BL
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032.
Schuetze
S M
SM
Role
L W
LW
D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D002642:Chick Embryo; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D011930:Reaction Time; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic / Q000502:physiology*; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology*
D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic; D000109:Acetylcholine