The voltage-gated Na+ currents near threshold voltages will be studied in Purkinje neurons of the cerebellum, with a general interest in understanding how interaction among ionic currents determine action potential threshold and produce different patterns of activity. Purkinje cells form the sole output of the cerebellar cortex and show a range of spiking behaviors. Although their activity plays a central role in motor behavior and motor learning and disruption of their activity results in sever motor deficits, relatively little research has made use of modern electrophysiological techniques to investigate how ionic currents control normal Purkinje cell firing. The proposed experiments will be done on Purkinje cells enzymatically isolated from rat cerebellum. First, using whole-cell voltage clamping and cell attached single-channel recording, the properties of transient, persistent, and the novel resurgent Na+ currents will be described. Next, current-clamp recording will be used to study the parameters that shape threshold in Purkinje cells. Finally, the recorded waveforms of simple spikes, complex spikes, and trains of spikes will be used as voltage-clamp protocols to measure how changes in the relative amplitude and depolarizing strength of each aspect of Na+ current (transient, persistent, and resurgent) can modify threshold and evoke different patterns of spiking.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32NS010396-02
Application #
2668937
Study Section
Neurology B Subcommittee 2 (NEUB)
Program Officer
Baughman, Robert W
Project Start
1998-03-01
Project End
Budget Start
1998-03-01
Budget End
1998-12-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Harvard University
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
082359691
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115