Affiliation:
1. Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 21201.
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) increases impulse activity in visceral afferent C-fibers in vivo. A 5-HT-induced membrane depolarization may partially account for this effect. Here, we examined the potential contribution of an additional mechanism to the 5-HT-mediated increase in impulse activity. Approximately 40% of rabbit visceral C-fiber neurons exhibit a protracted (greater than 3 s) spike afterhyperpolarization (AHPslow) that is a major determinant of repetitive firing properties in these neurons. Intracellular recording methods were applied to rabbit nodose ganglion neurons in vitro to assess whether 5-HT could increase excitability through effects on the AHPslow. Results revealed a concentration-dependent 5-HT-mediated depression of the AHPslow amplitude and duration that was accompanied by decreased accommodation of action potential firing. Experiments with 5-HT receptor antagonists further showed that this autacoid depressed the AHPslow through a different 5-HT receptor subtype than that subserving the 5-HT-induced depolarization. Thus the AHPslow represents a distinct locus where 5-HT can increase the impulse activity of these visceral C-fiber afferents.
Publisher
American Physiological Society
Subject
Physiology (medical),Physiology
Cited by
58 articles.
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