Do Ca2+ channels share NMDA receptors in plasticity of synaptic transmission in the rat visual cortex?
We examined the involvement of Ca2+ channels in LTP of responses in rat visual cortex slices. Stimulating layer IV, field potentials including EPSP1 and EPSP2 from layer II/III were recorded. L-type Ca2+ channel blocker nifedipine did not have a considerable effect on LTP of the responses. T-type Ca2+ channel blocker Ni2+ decreased potentiation of EPSP1 and almost blocked that of EPSP2. Effect of visual experience on the function of the channels is also considered. These results indicate that T-type Ca2+ channels play a real role in stable LTP of EPSP2. Also the function of the channels was almost the same in dark and light reared visual cortices.
Salami
M
M
Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, I.R. Iran.
Fathollahi
Y
Y
D000818:Animals; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000378:metabolism*; D003624:Darkness; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D008027:Light; D017774:Long-Term Potentiation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D009532:Nickel / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D014793:Visual Cortex / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D015220:Calcium Channels; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; D009532:Nickel