Hippocampal slices from prion protein null mice: disrupted Ca(2+)-activated K+ currents

Neurosci Lett. 1996 May 3;209(1):49-52. doi: 10.1016/0304-3940(96)12596-9.

Abstract

The intrinsic properties of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells were examined in mice lacking prion protein (PrP-null). The resting potentials, time constants, amplitude of the medium afterhyperpolarization (AHP) and spike firing accommodation did not differ from the control group. The PrP-null group differed in having lower input resistances, a lack of the late AHP and of a charybdotoxin-sensitive summated AHP. We propose that CA(2+)-activated K+ currents, in particular IAHP, are disrupted in PrP-null mice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Animals
  • Calcium / pharmacology*
  • Charybdotoxin / pharmacology
  • Crosses, Genetic
  • Female
  • Hippocampus / physiology*
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Inbred Strains
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Potassium Channels / drug effects
  • Potassium Channels / physiology*
  • Prions / genetics*
  • Pyramidal Cells / drug effects
  • Pyramidal Cells / physiology*
  • Recombination, Genetic

Substances

  • Potassium Channels
  • Prions
  • Charybdotoxin
  • Calcium