title: Proton-induced chloride current and voltage-activated Na+ and Ca2+ currents in embryonic neurons from the medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis).
abstract: Voltage-activated ionic currents and currents induced by step changes in proton concentration (pH 7.9-6.7) were studied in early embryonic neurons from Hirudo medicinalis. Ganglia were dissociated at embryonic day (E) 8-15, and the largest neurons were investigated using whole-cell patch clamp recording. All cells studied displayed voltage-activated Na+ and Ca2+ currents. Step changes in pH induced sustained currents which reversed at the equilibrium potential for Cl- and were blocked by substituting Cl- with acetate or sulfate. These currents thus differ in their ion selectivity from proton-induced currents in vertebrate neurons which are carried by Na+.
authors.affiliation: Max-Planck-Institute for Psychiatry, Department of Neurophysiology, Planegg-Martinsried, F.R.G.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gottmann
authors.forename: I D
authors.initials: ID
authors.lastname: Dietzel
authors.forename: H D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Lux
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000502:physiology*; D002712:Chlorides / Q000502:physiology*; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian; D004625:Embryo, Nonmammalian; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007865:Leeches / Q000502:physiology*; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D012964:Sodium / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D002712:Chlorides; D012964:Sodium; D002118:Calcium