Biomaterial Database

Memory is a property of an ion channels pool: ion channels formed by Staphylococcus aureus alpha-toxin. 1990

O V Krasilnikov, and P G Merzliak, and R Z Sabirov, and B A Tashmuk-Hamedov

Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the UzSSR, Taishkent.

The short-time depolarization effects on the integral conductance induced by S. aureus alpha-toxin (ST) in planar lipid bilayer membranes has been studied. Ion channels formed by ST were found to have several potential-induced nonconductance (closed) states. The transitions of ion channels between the states are only through one conductance state. The transition of ST-channels from closed to open state is induced by membrane depolarization. The amplitude current after a series of voltage pulses is a function of pulse number, and is effectively independent of the time interval between the neighbouring pulses. Therefore, a membrane which contains a pool of ion channels "remembers" its previous existence. A simple model can be used to explain this phenomenon.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007473	Ion Channels	Gated, ion-selective glycoproteins that traverse membranes. The stimulus for ION CHANNEL GATING can be due to a variety of stimuli such as LIGANDS, a TRANSMEMBRANE POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE, mechanical deformation or through INTRACELLULAR SIGNALING PEPTIDES AND PROTEINS.	Membrane Channels,Ion Channel,Ionic Channel,Ionic Channels,Membrane Channel,Channel, Ion,Channel, Ionic,Channel, Membrane,Channels, Ion,Channels, Ionic,Channels, Membrane
D007700	Kinetics	The rate dynamics in chemical or physical systems.
D008051	Lipid Bilayers	Layers of lipid molecules which are two molecules thick. Bilayer systems are frequently studied as models of biological membranes.	Bilayers, Lipid,Bilayer, Lipid,Lipid Bilayer
D008568	Memory	Complex mental function having four distinct phases: (1) memorizing or learning, (2) retention, (3) recall, and (4) recognition. Clinically, it is usually subdivided into immediate, recent, and remote memory.
D008954	Models, Biological	Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of biological processes or diseases. For disease models in living animals, DISEASE MODELS, ANIMAL is available. Biological models include the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment.	Biological Model,Biological Models,Model, Biological,Models, Biologic,Biologic Model,Biologic Models,Model, Biologic
D004553	Electric Conductivity	The ability of a substrate to allow the passage of ELECTRONS.	Electrical Conductivity,Conductivity, Electric,Conductivity, Electrical
D004594	Electrophysiology	The study of the generation and behavior of electrical charges in living organisms particularly the nervous system and the effects of electricity on living organisms.
D006460	Hemolysin Proteins	Proteins from BACTERIA and FUNGI that are soluble enough to be secreted to target ERYTHROCYTES and insert into the membrane to form beta-barrel pores. Biosynthesis may be regulated by HEMOLYSIN FACTORS.	Hemolysin,Hemolysins,Hemalysins,Proteins, Hemolysin
D001427	Bacterial Toxins	Toxic substances formed in or elaborated by bacteria; they are usually proteins with high molecular weight and antigenicity; some are used as antibiotics and some to skin test for the presence of or susceptibility to certain diseases.	Bacterial Toxin,Toxins, Bacterial,Toxin, Bacterial
D013211	Staphylococcus aureus	Potentially pathogenic bacteria found in nasal membranes, skin, hair follicles, and perineum of warm-blooded animals. They may cause a wide range of infections and intoxications.