Biomaterial Database

Properties of miniature post-synaptic currents at the Torpedo marmorata nerve-electroplate junction. 1983

B Soria

The post-synaptic conductance changes induced by spontaneous release of neurotransmitter on the Torpedo marmorata electroplates were studied by focal extracellular recording methods. It was found that miniature post-synaptic currents (m.p.s.c.s) recorded on the innervated and non-innervated faces of the electrocyte are opposite in sense and the distribution of amplitudes is bimodal. The bimodal distribution could reflect the presence of two populations of m.p.s.c.s (smaller and giant m.p.s.c.s). In the smaller m.p.s.c.s the distribution of the ratio (amplitude/decay time constant) shows two populations that probably represent areas with different receptor densities. The value of the mean open-channel lifetime estimated from the decay time constant of the m.p.s.c. is 0.92 +/- 0.67 ms (n = 319, temperature 20 +/- 1 degree C). Prostigmine (10 microM) increases the amplitude, decay time constant and time to peak of the m.p.s.c. A decrease of temperature increases m.p.s.c. decay time, the activation energies found ranging from 8.0 to 12.6 kcal x mol-1. Increasing the external K+ concentration produces a decrease in the decay time constant. High concentrations of divalent ions, particularly Ca2+, increase the decay time constant of the m.p.s.c. Alkaline or acid bathing solution produces a decrease in the decay time constant. An almost total substitution of external Cl- by non-permeant SO42- does not modify the time course of the m.p.s.c.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008274	Magnesium	A metallic element that has the atomic symbol Mg, atomic number 12, and atomic weight 24.31. It is important for the activity of many enzymes, especially those involved in OXIDATIVE PHOSPHORYLATION.
D008564	Membrane Potentials	The voltage differences across a membrane. For cellular membranes they are computed by subtracting the voltage measured outside the membrane from the voltage measured inside the membrane. They result from differences of inside versus outside concentration of potassium, sodium, chloride, and other ions across cells' or ORGANELLES membranes. For excitable cells, the resting membrane potentials range between -30 and -100 millivolts. Physical, chemical, or electrical stimuli can make a membrane potential more negative (hyperpolarization), or less negative (depolarization).	Resting Potentials,Transmembrane Potentials,Delta Psi,Resting Membrane Potential,Transmembrane Electrical Potential Difference,Transmembrane Potential Difference,Difference, Transmembrane Potential,Differences, Transmembrane Potential,Membrane Potential,Membrane Potential, Resting,Membrane Potentials, Resting,Potential Difference, Transmembrane,Potential Differences, Transmembrane,Potential, Membrane,Potential, Resting,Potential, Transmembrane,Potentials, Membrane,Potentials, Resting,Potentials, Transmembrane,Resting Membrane Potentials,Resting Potential,Transmembrane Potential,Transmembrane Potential Differences
D009431	Neural Conduction	The propagation of the NERVE IMPULSE along the nerve away from the site of an excitation stimulus.	Nerve Conduction,Conduction, Nerve,Conduction, Neural,Conductions, Nerve,Conductions, Neural,Nerve Conductions,Neural Conductions
D011188	Potassium	An element in the alkali group of metals with an atomic symbol K, atomic number 19, and atomic weight 39.10. It is the chief cation in the intracellular fluid of muscle and other cells. Potassium ion is a strong electrolyte that plays a significant role in the regulation of fluid volume and maintenance of the WATER-ELECTROLYTE BALANCE.
D002118	Calcium	A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol Ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes.	Coagulation Factor IV,Factor IV,Blood Coagulation Factor IV,Calcium-40,Calcium 40,Factor IV, Coagulation
D006859	Hydrogen	The first chemical element in the periodic table with atomic symbol H, and atomic number 1. Protium (atomic weight 1) is by far the most common hydrogen isotope. Hydrogen also exists as the stable isotope DEUTERIUM (atomic weight 2) and the radioactive isotope TRITIUM (atomic weight 3). Hydrogen forms into a diatomic molecule at room temperature and appears as a highly flammable colorless and odorless gas.	Protium,Hydrogen-1
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D014101	Torpedo	A genus of the Torpedinidae family consisting of several species. Members of this family have powerful electric organs and are commonly called electric rays.	Electric Rays,Torpedinidae,Rays, Electric
D066298	In Vitro Techniques	Methods to study reactions or processes taking place in an artificial environment outside the living organism.	In Vitro Test,In Vitro Testing,In Vitro Tests,In Vitro as Topic,In Vitro,In Vitro Technique,In Vitro Testings,Technique, In Vitro,Techniques, In Vitro,Test, In Vitro,Testing, In Vitro,Testings, In Vitro,Tests, In Vitro,Vitro Testing, In