title: Dendrotoxin-sensitive K+ channels in dorsal root ganglion cells.
abstract: In primary sensory cells, a K current active at resting potential is selectively blocked by the convulsant snake toxin, dendrotoxin. Using the patch-clamp technique, we have examined the characteristics of this K current at the unitary level. The voltage-activated K+ channels were found to have a maximum conductance of 5-10 pS in a 'physiological' K+ gradient. They show negligible sensitivity to calcium at the inner membrane aspect. Blockade by dendrotoxin seems likely to be due to direct action on the K+ channel.
authors.affiliation: Laboratoire d'Etude des Régulations Physiologiques C.N.R.S. Strasbourg, France.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Stansfeld
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Feltz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004546:Elapid Venoms / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D005727:Ganglia, Spinal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D004546:Elapid Venoms; D015221:Potassium Channels; C020273:dendrotoxin