11 research outputs found
A Sodium Leak Current Regulates Pacemaker Activity of Adult Central Pattern Generator Neurons in Lymnaea Stagnalis
The resting membrane potential of the pacemaker neurons is one of the essential
mechanisms underlying rhythm generation. In this study, we described the
biophysical properties of an uncharacterized channel (U-type channel) and
investigated the role of the channel in the rhythmic activity of a respiratory
pacemaker neuron and the respiratory behaviour in adult freshwater snail
Lymnaea stagnalis. Our results show that the channel
conducts an inward leak current carried by Na+
(ILeak-Na). The ILeak-Na contributed to the resting
membrane potential and was required for maintaining rhythmic action potential
bursting activity of the identified pacemaker RPeD1 neurons. Partial knockdown
of the U-type channel suppressed the aerial respiratory behaviour of the adult
snail in vivo. These findings identified the
Na+ leak conductance via the U-type channel, likely a
NALCN-like channel, as one of the fundamental mechanisms regulating rhythm
activity of pacemaker neurons and respiratory behaviour in adult animals