Characterization of synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction of knock out mice for the acid sensing ion channels (ASICs).

FRANCISCO J. URBANO; CARLOTA GONZÁLEZ INCHAUSPE; OSVALDO D. UCHITEL

Woods Hole, Massachusetts , USA

Otro; Marine biology Laboratory summer course: Neurobiology 2008; 2008

Marine biology Laboratory (MBL)

<!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:70.85pt 3.0cm 70.85pt 3.0cm; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are neuronal non-voltage-gated cation channels that are activated when extracellular pH falls. They contribute to sensory function and nociception in the peripheral nervous system, and in the brain they play a role in synaptic transmission, contributing to synaptic plasticity. They are also involved in fear responses, memory and learning. We analyzed the role of ASICs in synaptic transmission using neuromuscular junctions from diaphragm and levator auris muscle from wild-type and ASIC1 knockout mice. Using patch clamp we made recordings of end plate potentials (EPPs) and studied phenomena of synaptic plasticity like pair pulse facilitation and short term depression during high frequency activity. The results identify ASIC as a key component of acid-activated currents and implicate these currents in processes underlying synaptic plasticity.