title: Low- and high-voltage-activated calcium currents: their relationship to the site of neurotransmitter release in an identified neuron of Helisoma.
abstract: In this study we have characterized two types of Ca2+ currents in identified neuron B5 of Helisoma and have examined the relationship between these currents and neurotransmitter release. Neuron B5 contains low-voltage-activated (LVA) and high-voltage-activated (HVA) Ca2+ currents. These currents have distinct electrophysiological and pharmacological properties. To gain access to the site of neurotransmitter release, we used a model system in which somata that do not extend neurites assume the role of neurotransmitter release. Before somata gain the ability to release neurotransmitter, they contain LVA and HVA Ca2+ currents. After 3 days of culture, when spherical somata have gained the secretory capacity, only the HVA Ca2+ current is present. Experiments were also performed when neurite extension was permitted. These data indicate that neurons with processes have a differential distribution of Ca2+ currents. The soma, which does not release neurotransmitter, contains both LVA and HVA Ca2+ currents, while distal secretory processes contain only HVA current.
authors.affiliation: Department of Zoology, Iowa State University, Ames 50011.
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Haydon
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Man-Son-Hing
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability / Q000502:physiology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004553:Electric Conductivity / Q000502:physiology; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D012908:Snails / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D002118:Calcium