Journal of Neuroscience, Vol 15, 223-229, Copyright © 1995 by Society for Neuroscience
The serotonergic inhibitory postsynaptic potential in prepositus hypoglossi is mediated by two potassium currents
DH Bobker and JT Williams
Department of Neurology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201.
Synaptic inhibition mediated by the activation of potassium channels has
been reported from several types of neurons. In each case, despite
mediation by different neurotransmitters, the K+ conductance underlying the
synaptic potential is activated by a G protein and inwardly rectifies. We
report here a second K+ current that contributes to synaptic inhibition.
Intracellular recordings were made from guinea pig nucleus prepositus
hypoglossi in vitro, where we have described a 5-HT- mediated IPSP.
Voltage-clamp analysis of the current induced by applied 5-HT revealed two
separate conductances: an inwardly rectifying, rapidly activating K+
current (IIR) and an outwardly rectifying, slowly activating K+ current
(IOR). IIR was blocked by extracellular Ba2+ (200 microM) and TEA+ (126
mM). IOR was insensitive to this concentration of Ba2+ and TEA+, but was
inhibited by Cd2+ and intracellular BAPTA, indicating Ca dependence. Single
focal electrical stimuli evoked a 5-HT- mediated IPSP, or under voltage
clamp, an inhibitory postsynaptic current (IPSC). Ba2+ blocked only a
component of this IPSC, which corresponded to the current caused by IIR.
When multiple stimuli were applied (to prolong the release of transmitter),
the time-dependent current IOR was more fully activated, resulting in an
augmentation of the IPSC. We conclude that the IPSC is caused by both
currents and that its amplitude can be modulated by the degree to which IOR
is activated. This represents a mechanism by which synaptic responses can
be potentiated.