Molecular basis of R-type calcium channels in central amygdala neurons of the mouse
- Authors
- Lee, SC; Choi, S; Lee, T; Kim, HL; Chin, H; Shin, HS
- Issue Date
- 2002-03-05
- Publisher
- NATL ACAD SCIENCES
- Citation
- PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, v.99, no.5, pp.3276 - 3281
- Abstract
- R-type Ca2+ channels play a critical role in coupling excitability to dendritic Ca2+ influx and neuronal secretion. Unlike other types of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels (L, N, P/Q, and T type), the molecular basis for the R-type Ca2+ channel is still unclear, thereby limiting further detailed analyses of R-type Ca2+ channel physiology. The prevailing hypothesis is that alpha(1E) (Ca(V)2.3) gene encodes for R-type Ca2+ channels, but the dearth of critical evidence has rendered this hypothesis controversial. Here we generated alpha(1E)-deficient mice (alpha(1E)-/-) and examined the status of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ currents in central amygdala (CeA) neurons that exhibit abundant alpha(1E) expression and R-type Ca2+ currents. The majority of R-type currents in CeA neurons were eliminated in alpha(1E)-/- mice whereas other Ca2+ channel types were unaffected. These data clearly indicate that the expression of alpha(1E) gene underlies R-type Ca2+ channels in CeA neurons. Furthermore, the alpha(1E)-/mice exhibited signs of enhanced fear as evidenced by their vigorous escaping behavior and aversion to open-field conditions. These latter findings imply a possible role of alpha(1E)-based R-type Ca2+ currents in amygdala physiology associated with fear.
- Keywords
- KNOCK-OUT MICE; CA2+ CHANNELS; PERMEATION PROPERTIES; TRANSMITTER RELEASE; CONDITIONED FEAR; CENTRAL NUCLEUS; CURRENTS; RAT; STIMULATION; RESPONSES; KNOCK-OUT MICE; CA2+ CHANNELS; PERMEATION PROPERTIES; TRANSMITTER RELEASE; CONDITIONED FEAR; CENTRAL NUCLEUS; CURRENTS; RAT; STIMULATION; RESPONSES
- ISSN
- 0027-8424
- URI
- https://pubs.kist.re.kr/handle/201004/139693
- DOI
- 10.1073/pnas.052697799
- Appears in Collections:
- KIST Article > 2002
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