title: Distribution, amplification, and summation of cyclic nucleotide sensitivities within single olfactory sensory cilia.
abstract: Submicron local cAMP elevation was used to map the distribution of transduction channels in single olfactory cilia. After the fine fluorescent visualization of the cilium with the laser-scanning confocal microscope, the intraciliary cAMP was jumped locally with the laser beam that photolyzes cytoplasmic caged compounds. Simultaneously, cells' responses were obtained with the whole-cell patch clamp. Responses were observed anywhere within the cilia, showing the broad distribution of transduction channels. For odor detection, such distribution would be useful for expanding the available responding area to increase the quantum efficiency. Also, the stimulus onto only 1 microm region induced >100 pA response operated by >700-2300 channels, although only 1 pA is sufficient for olfactory cells to generate action potentials. The large local response indicates a presence of strong amplification achieved with a high-density distribution of the transduction channels for the local ciliary excitation.
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan. hiroko@bpe.es.osaka-u.ac.jp
authors.forename: Hiroko
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Takeuchi
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kurahashi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000242:Cyclic AMP / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D006152:Cyclic GMP / Q000378:metabolism; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D007834:Lasers; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal / Q000379:methods; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000528:radiation effects; D009831:Olfactory Mucosa / Q000166:cytology*; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D012455:Salamandridae / Q000033:anatomy & histology
chemical_list: C089981:(2-nitrophenyl)ethyl-cyclic adenosine monophosphate; D000242:Cyclic AMP; D006152:Cyclic GMP