Abstract
Whole-cell currents were recorded from cultures of dissociated neocortical neurones of the rat. Rat α-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP; 1 nM-1 μM) caused significant dose-dependent decreases in the voltage-activated transient (A-current) and delayed rectifier K+ currents. Forskolin (10 nM-20 μM) mimicked this effect. Peak K+ currents were gradually decreased after loading neurones with cyclic AMP (100 μM) through patch pipettes. CGRP was ineffective in neurones loaded with cyclic AMP. CGRP (0.5-2 μM) increased cytosolic cyclic AMP concentration and this effect was mimicked by forskolin (5-40 μM). CGRP (0.1-1 μM) reduced high-threshold Ca2+ currents; as did forskolin (5-20 μM) and cyclic AMP loaded into the neurones. In contrast, low-threshold Ca2+ currents were not affected by any of these agents. Voltage activated Na+ currents were significantly reduced by both CGRP (0.1-1 μM) and forskolin (5-20 μM). A similar effect was observed when cells were loaded with cyclic AMP. We conclude that, in neocortical neurones, CGRP attenuates voltage-activated currents by stimulating the intracellular cyclic AMP signalling system.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 631-643 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Journal of Physiology |
Volume | 433 |
Publication status | Published - 1991 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physiology