Differential effects of tetrodotoxin (TTX) and high external K+ on A and C fibre compound action potential peaks in frog sciatic nerve.
Monophasic compound action potentials were recorded from Rana sciatic nerves. Three distinct peaks were observed and designated A alpha, A delta and C. All peaks were abolished by replacement of the external medium with Na(+)-free solution. However, the C peak alone was unaffected by external application of 1 microM tetrodotoxin (TTX), both A peaks were completely suppressed. The C peak was also the most resistant to chronic depolarization caused by increased external K+. K+ (17.6 mM) solution reduced peak areas to 5 +/- 4, 27 +/- 11 and 63 +/- 14% of control for A alpha, A delta and C components. The C peak was therefore Na(+)-dependent, TTX-resistant and K(+)-depolarization resistant. These attributes are similar to those described for somatal TTX-resistant Na+ channels in other species. But, application of 1 microM TTX to a K(+)-depolarized nerve caused a further reduction in C peak area, suggestive of a voltage-dependent block by TTX similar to that reported for cardiac muscle Na+ channels.
Buchanan
S
S
Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Dundee, UK.
Harper
A A
AA
Elliott
J R
JR
D000200:Action Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D000818:Animals; D004594:Electrophysiology; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000502:physiology; D009413:Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / Q000502:physiology; D011188:Potassium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011894:Rana pipiens; D011896:Rana temporaria; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D012964:Sodium / Q000494:pharmacology; D013779:Tetrodotoxin / Q000502:physiology*
D013779:Tetrodotoxin; D012964:Sodium; D011188:Potassium