Kinetics of ion channel modulation by cAMP in rat hippocampal neurones

doi:10.1113/jphysiol.2006.115295

Kinetics of ion channel modulation by cAMP in rat hippocampal neurones

¹Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK ²Department of Physiology, Institute of Basal Medical Sciences, and Centre for Molecular Biology and Neuroscience, University of Oslo, PB 1103, Blindern, N-0317 Oslo, Norway

Corresponding author B. Lancaster: Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK. Email: b.lancaster{at}ucl.ac.uk

Abstract

Ion channel regulation by cyclic AMP and protein kinase A is a major effector mechanism for monoamine transmitters and neuromodulators in the CNS. Surprisingly, there is little information about the speed and kinetic limits of cAMP–PKA-dependent excitability changes in the brain. To explore these questions, we used flash photolysis of caged-cAMP (DMNB-cAMP) to provide high temporal resolution. The resultant free cAMP concentration was calculated from separate experiments in which this technique was used, in excised patches, to activate cAMP-sensitive cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. In hippocampal pyramidal neurones we studied the modulation of a potassium current (slow AHP current, I_sAHP) known to be targeted by multiple transmitter systems that use cAMP–PKA. Rapid cAMP elevation by flash photolyis of 200 μm DMNB-cAMP completely inhibited the K⁺ current. The estimated yield (1.3–3%) suggests that photolysis of 200 μm caged precursor is sufficient for full PKA activation. By contrast, extended gradual photolysis of 200 μm DMNB-cAMP caused stable but only partial inhibition. The kinetics of rapid cAMP inhibition of the K⁺ conductance (time constant 1.5–2 s) were mirrored by changes in firing patterns commencing within 500 ms of rapid cAMP elevation. Maximal increases in firing were short-lasting (< 60 s) and gave way to moderately enhanced levels of spiking. The results demonstrate how the fidelity of phasic monoamine signalling can be preserved by the cAMP–PKA pathway.