Abstract |
alpha Latrotoxin, a presynaptically acting polypeptide neurotoxin, induces massive neurotransmitter release from both synapses of vertebrates and the neurosecretory cells of the line PC12, derived from a rat pheochromocytoma. Single PC12 cells, differentiated by treatment with nerve growth factor, were used to investigate by the patch-clamp technique i) the alterations of the resting cell conditions (membrane potential and resistance) and ii) the microscopic mechanism of the permeability changes that underly the response to alpha LTx. The toxin was found to open a channel, 15 pS in conductance, that is permeable to various cations (Na+, K+ and probably Ca2+) and has little tendency to close. This channel is different from the classical voltage- and receptor-operated channels present in PC12 cells, as well as from the large conductances induced by the toxin in artificial lipid membranes.
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Authors | E Wanke, A Ferroni, P Gattanini, J Meldolesi |
Journal | Biochemical and biophysical research communications
(Biochem Biophys Res Commun)
Vol. 134
Issue 1
Pg. 320-5
(Jan 14 1986)
ISSN: 0006-291X [Print] United States |
PMID | 2418826
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Arthropod Venoms
- Ion Channels
- Nerve Growth Factors
- Spider Venoms
- Tetrodotoxin
- alpha-latrotoxin
- Potassium
- Calcium
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Topics |
- Animals
- Arthropod Venoms
(pharmacology)
- Calcium
(metabolism)
- Cell Differentiation
(drug effects)
- Cell Line
- Cell Membrane Permeability
(drug effects)
- Electric Stimulation
- Ion Channels
(drug effects)
- Membrane Potentials
- Nerve Growth Factors
(pharmacology)
- Potassium
(pharmacology)
- Rats
- Spider Venoms
(pharmacology)
- Tetrodotoxin
(pharmacology)
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