9319536 Simasko The objectives of this project are to biophysically characterize a background conductance in pituitary cells and to determine the physiological role of this conductance. The investigators believe this background conductance (Na+ selective or non- selective cation) provides the depolarizing drive necessary for activation of voltage-dependent calcium channels. Activation of voltage-dependent channels leads to a calcium influx which in turn stimulates hormone secretion. The investigators plan to characterize the conductance by patch clamp electrophysiological techniques. The role of the conductance in cytoplasmic calcium regulation will be determined by single-cell Ca2+ measurements using the fluorescent calcium indicator fura2. The role of this conductance in regulation of secretion will be determine din single cells by membrane capacitive measurements and by reverse- hemolytic plaque assays. If this conductance is found to have the physiological function hypothesized by the investigators, it will be an important step in understanding how hormone secretion is regulated. ***

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Integrative Organismal Systems (IOS)
Application #
9319536
Program Officer
Elvira Doman
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1994-04-01
Budget End
1998-09-30
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1993
Total Cost
$209,240
Indirect Cost
Name
Washington State University
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Pullman
State
WA
Country
United States
Zip Code
99164